Elections are over, but before I even think about getting started on my manifesto for president, I have a lot of sport related things to wrap up.
To start, I want to give you all an update on a big project that I have been working on over the last few months: the national campaign to protect the right to accessible sports.
This is something I care deeply about, and this piece of work has resonated with many of you here in Bath, but also across the national student community. Therefore, this blog aims to serve an update on this piece of work. If you have not read my original blog on the subject, you can do so here.
A reminder of the issue at hand
In March 2025, the Government proposed a reform of the national planning policy framework (NPPF) and the system of statutory consultees.
In short, the NPPF serves as the rulebook for all planning applications and development of urban areas. The statutory consultee system, on the other hand, refers to the national bodies whose role is to review planning applications relating to their specific area of interest. Among these is Sport England, the national body responsible for safeguarding green spaces and playing fields.
The aim of this reform is to streamline the planning process, which can absolutely be beneficial, however one key element of the proposal has caused deep concern across the sporting, education, and community sectors: the removal of key statutory consultees, including the aforementioned Sport England.
Removing Sport England’s statutory role represents a major shift, and one that could have unintended consequences for generations to come, by removing a key safeguard for playing fields: spaces that are not simply plots of land, but foundations of community wellbeing, grassroots sports development, and student activity.
Put simply: the risk is that expertise will be removed from decisions that directly affect the future of community sport.
Our actions
This issue was brought to my attention in light of developments (or lack thereof) at the Sulis Club; however, it was apparent that this was something far bigger than just our community here at Bath. I knew I had to act, so I launched a campaign to protest this decision and protect the future of sport and our right to play.
In my own words, I outlined the need to maintain robust protections for green spaces and playing fields, and highlighted the severe risk associated with the planned reform. This letter, titled “Protecting the Right to Accessible Sport”, was circulated to student unions and universities across the country.
In total representatives from 35 students’ union and 19 universities co-signed the letter, representing just under 1 million students. On the 9th of January, the letter was sent to key decision makers:
- Keir Starmer, Prime Minister
- Matthew Pennycook, Minister of State for Housing and Planning
- Paul Morrison, Chief Executive, Planning Inspectorate
- Joanna Key, Director General for Regeneration, Housing and Planning
Following this, we submitted an official consultation response on behalf of the letter on the 13th of January.
Our message was clear: If Sport England’s statutory role is removed, there must be robust and legally enforceable protections in place to safeguard playing fields and community sports facilities.
The Response
I am pleased to share that our collective voice has already made an impact.
We received a reply from Baroness Taylor, Undersecretary of State for Housing and Local Government, which gave us several reassurances and wins:
- Securing Continued Engagement of Sport England in Planning Decisions
As a result of this campaign, the Government confirmed that Sport England will remain engaged in the planning system through consultation processes and targeted notifications relating to developments affecting playing fields and sports infrastructure.
- Initiating Policy Reform on the Protection of Sports and Recreational Spaces
Our campaign helped initiate national policy discussions on the protection of sports facilities and recreational spaces within the planning system, ensuring their importance was formally recognised within the Government’s consultation process.
- Establishing a New Notification Process for Changes to Sports and Recreational Spaces
The Government has proposed introducing a new notification requirement to ensure that relevant authorities are informed when planning applications would result in the substantial loss of playing fields or recreational land, strengthening oversight and protection of these spaces.
- Influencing National Planning Policy Framework Reforms
The campaign contributed to wider Government planning reforms, including proposals to strengthen planning policy protections for sport, play, and recreation facilities and to encourage clearer local standards for outdoor recreational land.
- Commitment to Updated Planning Guidance for Sports and Recreational Infrastructure
The Government has committed to updating planning guidance to ensure that developments properly consider the impact on existing sports facilities and recreational spaces.
This breakdown of the response, including the specific commitments and areas of influence, has been shared with all signatories. Importantly, it demonstrates that our intervention is being taken seriously at the highest levels. This is a significant step forward for students, universities, and the protection of community sport.
You can read the full letter here!
What Happens Next
For now, we need to wait for the results of the government consultation. We have also sent in consultation for changes to the NPPF more broadly, and again, await the result.
Once we do have a response, we will ensure we share it with you and prepare any follow-up actions if protections appear insufficient.
There is likely to be further opportunity for you to get involved and help shape the next phase of this reform, so watch this space.
I would like to thank all the students, Universities and Students’ Unions who have engaged with this work so far and have come together to make change happen.