Produced in 2003, Towards a Level Playing Field: A guide to the production of playing pitch strategies has been the catalyst for the dramatic improvement in the level of sophistication with which local authorities review the supply and demand for playing pitches in their ‘patches'. However, six years on it is, arguably, becoming somewhat out of date. Given that it also recommends that councils renew their audits every 3 to 5 years perhaps it is also time to revisit the wider methodology.

Although PPG17 guidance advocates use of Sport England's Towards a Level Playing Field, there are elements of conflict between the two that muddy the water for local councils commissioning a fully compliant PPG17 assessment covering the full suite of open spaces, playing pitches and built facilities.

It suggests that there is no need to develop quantitative provision standards for playing pitches, as this is driven through use of the Playing Pitch Model (PPM). However, PPG17 is clear about the need to develop quantity standards for typologies, particularly where developer contributions are to be sought. Councils are also keen to have such standards in place.

Could this be why The National Playing Fields Association (now Fields in Trust), probably the best known advocators of national standards for benchmarking, withdrew its support in December 2002?

(image) Recent comment from Sport England planners suggested that a Playing Pitch Strategy is non compliant with PPG17 if it does not provide an accessibility standard.

However, we would argue that identification of deficiencies in provision, and of the localities for which new provision should be sought, should be driven by demand assessment.

If the identification of demand is sufficiently robust, based upon defensible coverage of the relevant clubs and agencies and generated via thoroughly conducted face to face/telephone consultation with an appropriate number and cross-section of clubs/leagues, it should inform statements relating to required levels of new provision to serve current and future demand.

In a nutshell, our view is that there should be a review of Towards A Level Playing Field to bring it more in line with PPG17 guidance - do you agree? Your responses on an e-postcard please - to: claire.fallon@kkp.co.uk

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