Skip to main content

Written question asked by Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 January 2026 (named day). It was answered by Matthew Pennycook (Labour) on Friday, 30 January 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.


Property Development: Playing Fields

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to help ensure that playing fields are not used for development in North Shropshire constituency.

Answer

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) includes strong protections for existing open space, sports and recreational buildings, and land, including playing fields, setting out that they should not be built on unless they are no longer needed, equivalent or better provision is made, or the development is for alternative sports or recreational provision which offers benefits that clearly outweigh the loss of the current or former use.

The government is consulting on a new NPPF that includes clearer, more rules-based policies for decision-making and plan-making. The consultation includes updated policy on development affecting existing recreation facilities, including playing fields.

The consultation will remain open for responses until 10 March 2026 and can be found on gov.uk here.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
107478
Session
2024-26
Related items
Sports: Facilities and Playing Fields
Monday, 2 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Sports: Facilities
Friday, 6 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Property development Playing fields North Shropshire
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk