Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 4430

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Sport England

Sport England supports the inclusion of a clear vision and set of objectives for the new Local Plan. The vision should explicitly reference healthy, active communities and recognise the role that sport, recreation, open space and active travel play in supporting health and wellbeing. Consideration should also be given to measurable outcomes linked to access to sports facilities, participation in physical activity and provision of green infrastructure. The Plan should also promote places where walking, wheeling, cycling and recreational opportunities form part of everyday life.

Comment

Representation ID: 4433

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Sport England

Sport England supports the recognition that infrastructure must be provided alongside growth. The Plan should recognise indoor and outdoor sport and recreation facilities as essential community infrastructure, alongside education, health and transport. The scale of growth proposed for Cheshire East will generate additional demand for sports facilities, playing pitches, leisure centres and recreational spaces and these requirements should be planned for from the outset, informed by an up to date Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy and Sports Built Facility Strategy.

Comment

Representation ID: 4438

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Sport England

The spatial strategy should take account of both existing sports infrastructure and future facility requirements. Ideally, development should be directed towards locations where sport and recreation needs can be met sustainably and where active travel opportunities can be maximised. Any major urban extensions or new settlements should incorporate sport and recreation infrastructure from the outset as part of a comprehensive approach to place-making.

Comment

Representation ID: 4442

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Sport England

Sport England supports the proposed approach to biodiversity enhancement but encourages the Council to ensure that Biodiversity Net Gain measures do not compromise the sporting function, quality or future use of playing fields and sports facilities. Opportunities should be sought to deliver biodiversity and sport objectives together through appropriate design, ensuring environmental improvements are achieved without reducing playing capacity or restricting sporting use. Please see our guidance for more information - https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/facilities-and-planning/planning-sport/our-planning-role-guidance-and-tools/BNG

Comment

Representation ID: 4444

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Sport England

Sport England supports the recognition that health and wellbeing are influenced by a range of factors beyond healthcare. The Local Plan should promote Active Design principles and ensure that access to sport and recreation facilities, open spaces and active travel networks is considered as part of creating healthy, inclusive and sustainable communities. The Council should also ensure that future provision is informed by up-to-date Playing Pitch and Sports Built Facilities Strategies so that sport and recreation infrastructure keeps pace with planned growth and helps reduce health inequalities.

Comment

Representation ID: 4449

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Sport England

Sport England supports the recognition of the important role that sport, recreation and community facilities play in supporting health, wellbeing and social cohesion. The proposed evidence base, including the Playing Pitch Strategy Update and Indoor Built Facilities Study, will be important in understanding current and future needs, including geographical and demographic inequalities in access to facilities and opportunities for physical activity. This evidence should be used to inform infrastructure planning, site allocations and developer contributions, ensuring that sport and recreation provision keeps pace with planned growth and supports healthier, more active communities.

Comment

Representation ID: 4454

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Sport England

Sport England supports the focus on high-quality design and placemaking. The Council should consider how Active Design principles can be embedded within design codes, masterplans and development frameworks to create places that encourage walking, wheeling, cycling and active lifestyles. Sport England's Active Design guidance is a useful resource for plan-makers, developers and designers in delivering healthy, inclusive and well-connected communities. Please see the following weblink for more information - https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/facilities-and-planning/design-and-cost-guidance/active-design

Comment

Representation ID: 4455

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Sport England

Sport England supports the preparation of a robust evidence base and recommends that this includes an up-to-date Playing Pitch Strategy and Sports Built Facilities Strategy. These documents will provide important evidence of current and future sport and recreation needs and help ensure that facilities and infrastructure are planned alongside growth. Sport England also encourages the Council to use our guidance and tools found following this weblink - https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/facilities-and-planning/planning-sport when preparing the Local Plan.

Comment

Representation ID: 4460

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Sport England

Sport England supports the proposed engagement strategy and welcomes the Council's commitment to ongoing consultation throughout the Local Plan process. The Council should engage with Active Cheshire, National Governing Bodies of Sport and other relevant sporting organisations to help inform future policies, infrastructure planning and the assessment of sport and recreation needs. The Council should also build on the stakeholder engagement established through the Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy and Sports Built Facilities Strategy, including the continued use of steering groups where appropriate.