Sport, Recreation and Leisure Facilities

Policy ID.17 Sport, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Proposals for residential development will support an increase in or enhancement to sport, recreation and leisure facilities to meet the needs of its residents. The specific local needs for sports and leisure will be assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on the type of development, the location of the site in relation to existing facilities and the capacity of existing facilities. Evidence of this will be available within the Playing Pitch Strategy, and Built Facilities Strategy. A. Existing Facilities Development proposals that would result in the loss of sport and leisure, will be resisted unless: 1. An alternative can be provided that is at least equivalent in terms of size, quality, accessibility, usefulness and attractiveness, and a management plan is submitted to ensure the future viability of the provision, or 2. An assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the facility, to be surplus to requirements; or 3. The proposal is of sufficient benefit to clearly outweigh the loss of the current or former use 4. It does not make a valuable contribution to the amenity and character of the area. Proposals for the extension or redevelopment of existing, sports, recreation and leisure facilities to expand and/or diversify the existing use will be supported as will improvements to the quality and/or accessibility of existing provision. B. Provision of New Facilities New facilities will: 1. Be delivered in accordance with the relevant standards of the sporting facility being delivered to ensure longevity and prolonged use. 2. Be accessible to all users with public transport and active travel links to existing and/or new settlements. 3. Ensure climate adaptation and mitigation measures are in line with policies set out in Chapter 6 and incorporate green and blue infrastructure in line with policy ID.13 C. Major Development Major development will be expected to contribute towards the provision of Sport and Leisure facilities (both indoor and outdoor provision) to ensure there are sufficient accessible and adequate facilities to meet the needs of the population. Where developments are of a suitable scale, provision will be made on site. Where provision cannot be made on site financial contributions towards off-site provision or improving the quality, quantity and/or accessibility of existing facilities will be required. The contribution will be calculated using Sport England’s Playing Pitch and Sport Facility