Suffolk's Football Community Opposes Proposed New National Planning Policy Framework (NFFP)
The coalition Government is currently out to consultation on changes to planning policy, with the proposals as they currently stand potentially placing playing fields and facilities at risk from development.The FA, alongside other National Governing Bodies, is working to try and secure specific concessions which would protect playing fields and associated facilities from development. Suffolk Football Association has written to all local MPs on behalf of our member Leagues and Clubs to express concern regarding the potential impact on community sport arising from the proposed new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Paragraph 129 of the draft NPPF document states that: ‘Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, should not be built on unless the need for and benefits of the development clearly outweigh the loss’ This policy fails to consider the community benefits of sport in circumstances where there is a clear economic case for development and as a consequence open space, playing fields and sport facilities will be much more vulnerable to development. Furthermore, as the provision of compensatory facilities is not a current requirement it is almost certain that there will be a net loss of playing fields and facilities across the country. We call upon Suffolk's Football Community to unite and sign the petition to show the depth of feeling and support against such proposals.
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