Practical planning guide for sports clubs

Sport England, in partnership with the Department of Communities and Local Government, has published a new guide to planning applications aimed at sports clubs who want to improve their facilities.

Sport England knows that poor quality facilities are a significant barrier to increasing participation in sport at a grassroots level. All too often the planning system is viewed as an obstacle as opposed to a means of securing the best possible outcome, and when approached incorrectly can result in frustration, financial loss and damaged relationships.

Making a planning application provides practical advice that will help clubs across the country prepare their case and application in order to maximise their chances of success.

Step-by-step guidance is provided on the five stages of applying for, and securing, planning permission:

• Reviewing the options
• Preparing the application
• Submitting the application
• The decision
• Implementing the decision.

You can find ‘Making a planning application’, on the Sport England website. Hard copies are available on request. Please send an email to planningforsport@sportengland.org including the postal address to which you would like the guide to be sent.