Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what support he is providing to local planning authorities to help them facilitate increased levels of physical activity among people in their areas.

The Government recognises through our National Planning Policy Framework that access to a network of high-quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and physical activity is important for the health and well-being of communities.

The Framework is clear that local planning policies should be based on robust and up-to-date assessments of the need for open space, sport and recreation facilities and opportunities for new provision. Local planning authorities through their local plans should then seek to accommodate this.

Ultimately local authorities are responsible for this provision in their area, and they are best placed to know what their communities need.