Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on Sport England's role as a statutory consultee in the planning process.

The statutory consultee system must work in support of development and economic growth—reflecting the central place of these objectives in the Government’s plan for change. A process is in place to consult on the impacts of removing a limited number of statutory consultees, including Sport England.

Access to open green spaces and playing fields is important, and we will work closely with MHCLG as part of their proposed reforms. The National Planning Policy Framework ensures these interests are maintained in the planning system and there is an important, ongoing role for statutory consultees working with local authorities and developers on the development of local and strategic plans, and through the publication of guidance and advice.