09/98 - The Town & Country (Playing Fields) (England) Direction 1998

DETR 09/98 (15 December 1998)

As a result of continuing concern about the loss of playing fields used by both schools and the wider community, the government issued this direction.

It follows from the requirement laid down in 1996 that the Sports Council should be consulted about any proposal for development on a sports field which is, or was in last five years, in use.

The direction applies to any proposal for development of any playing field owned by a local authority or used by an educational institution and requires that where the Sports Council has objected to a proposed development but the local authority proposes to grant permission the matter will be passed to the Secretary of State, who will decide whether to intervene or leave the local authority to resolve the issue.

View the document here.