Since publication of Sport England's ‘Towards a Level Playing Field' (TLPF) at the start of the decade, we have delivered playing pitch strategies across the UK from North Lanarkshire in Scotland to Bournemouth and Poole in the South West.

In so doing we conduct comprehensive quantitative site assessments, identify key priorities for pitches and ancillary facility improvements, as well as provide a robust evidence base to secure the resources for this.

In 2006/7, we were commissioned by Ealing Council to produce its playing pitch and outdoor sports assessment and strategy.

The accompanying action plan recognised that the Council targets for participation could not be achieved through the support and development of traditional sports alone, and therefore there was a need to develop facilities to stimulate participation in all types of physical activity and recreation.

For example, the Council was keen to accommodate minority sports such as handball, baseball, softball and Kabaddi (a team sport that originates from South Asia). It is played on a grassed area measuring 12.5m x 10m. In this instance, over supply of other sports pitches in the area had the potential to be counter-balanced with provision for minority sports and to increase participation in them. We identified several possible sites for this use.

Over the same period, we conducted a playing pitch strategy for Tewkesbury Borough Council. Interestingly this study was conducted at the time of widely reported flooding. This affected many of the sites visited as part of the study, although it is anticipated that the implications of this should be relatively short term.

Provision for hockey was identified as a key priority; currently no competitive hockey is played in the Borough due to the lack of a suitable facility. Consultation clearly identified demand (and suitable locations) for a new full size synthetic turf pitch.

Due to our longstanding relationships with clients we are regularly asked to update strategies. We recently completed such an assignment for Salford City Council, following our original commission in 1999. This was particularly interesting as the previous study pre-dated TLPF and because it will provide a platform to inform BSF planning and investment in the City.

Following introduction of PPG17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation legislation in July 2002, open spaces has emerged as an overarching theme. Many playing pitch assessments are now incorporated in full PPG17 assessments and strategies.

In response to recent media claims about the practice of selling off playing fields, Sport England has published new data that reveals 97% of concluded planning applications affecting playing fields in 2005-06 resulted in improved or protected sports provision. Sport England object to all applications to develop on playing fields unless applicants can prove it represents a better deal for sport.

Hence, it is vital that local authorities retain contemporary, clear, robust and defensible evidence about the quantity, quality and community value of their open space, sport and recreation facilities stock.