Since publication of Sport England's ‘Towards a Level Playing Field' (TALP) at the start of the decade, KKP has delivered over 50 playing pitch assessments and strategies across England. This has been further boosted in recent weeks as KKP secures three new commissions to deliver playing pitch strategies for local authorities covering the length of the Country.

The North: Bury, Greater Manchester

Consultants are working on home turf to deliver a playing pitch strategy for the local authority in which our head office is based, bringing an added dimension of local knowledge in both a professional and personal capacity.

The Strategy, which Bury Leisure will use to develop and improve community sports pitches, will also aid delivery of Bury's BSF transformation agenda for PE, school and community sport. It will inform key decisions on the strategic planning and design of the estate, the nature and extent of community use and future management and maintenance of playing fields.

This information generated will be key to both the PE and Sport Stakeholder Group and the Council's BSF project team addressing curricular, extra-curricular and community needs. The Strategy will provide necessary information to allow the Authority and Sport England to adequately assess BSF proposals and minimise delays in the planning process.

The Midlands: North Warwickshire

Concurrently, KKP will also deliver a playing fields strategy for the predominantly rural borough of North Warwickshire.

Our consultants have strong, relevant experience working in/engaging with rural communities, having completed recent equivalent strategies for the Peak sub region, South Lakeland, East Hertfordshire and Bassetlaw. This allows us to effectively manage the consultation process that, in this case, will involve a range of providers and owners, including 32 parish councils. We add specific value via our understanding of the key challenges faced in rural areas. This will also take account of the assumption that some participants resident in the Borough make use of facilities provided in neighbouring, more densely populated local authorities.

The South: London Borough of Barnet

At the other end of the country, we are about to embark on a playing pitch strategy which will guide future provision and management of new sports pitches in the urban Barnet area.

Over the last few years, Government concern over loss of open space and, in particular, playing fields has underpinned the drive towards urban renaissance and the importance of green space is highlighted as an important element in creating sustainable communities.

Returning to Barnet, KKP will update its original playing pitch strategy completed in 2004 in ensuring its contemporary PPG17 compliance using it to inform BSF proposals. We are looking forward to delivering this update; it will be great to see recommended improvements realised and provide the Council with the opportunity to benefit from our own advancements and improved processes.

In each assignment, KKP will:

• Provide a comprehensive assessment of supply and demand through the application of the Sport England Playing Pitch Model
• Provide an analysis of the quantity and quality of outdoor sports facilities
• Advise on local standards of provision for planning purposes
• Establish a policy for developer contributions
• Integrate with wider strategic objectives such as sports development, open spaces and education
• Consider the adequacy of existing provision against these standards and guide future investment through action plans and prioritisation
• Establish a clear direction for pitches and associated facilities

KKP is well placed to deliver these latest assignments and has the demonstrated capacity to manage and deliver. All work in this area is delivered by a specialist team, led by Claire Fallon, Principal Consultant. The designated manager for these programmes of work, she manages delivery to timetable and oversees report production. Under her direction, teams of consultants are assembled to coordinate all aspects of delivery.

Our experienced consultants and technical experts, dedicated in-house research and support teams enable us to manage large, complex assignments with clarity and confidence. We place particular importance on our ability to guarantee delivery of high quality products on time; recognised by our ISO9001 accreditation.