Consultation Response - Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) were seeking views on how they might revise national planning policy to support their wider objectives.

Play England’s response to consultation primarily, (but not exclusively) relates to:

Chapter 8 – Delivering community needs

• Promoting healthy communities

Question 70: How could national planning policy better support local authorities in;

a)    promoting healthy communities; and

b)    tackling childhood obesity?

Question 71: Do you have any other suggestions relating to the proposals in this chapter?

However, our response can be correlated to other chapters and questions, as such we are assuming that our response will be considered within this context.

In summary, Play England’s consultation response called for meaningful change within England’s planning system as part of the government’s legislative programme - through the introduction of play sufficiency legislation and a new national play strategy.

Play Sufficiency Legislation

• Introduce Play Sufficiency legislation in England as part of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill

The introduction of Play Sufficiency legislation in England (as fully set out in our manifesto) would ensure that all children, young people, and families have access to enough time, space, opportunity, and permission to play and recreation throughout all aspects of their daily lives. It would protect, provide, and enhance opportunities for play and recreation at home, at school, in parks and the built environment.

National Play Strategy

• Develop a new National Play Strategy for England as part of the Children’s Wellbeing Bill

There has been no national play strategy in England since 2008, which was developed by the last Labour government, together with Play England.

We, and sector partners, stand ready to support government in developing a new, cross departmental national play strategy. This strategy would ensure that play sufficiency legislation is brought into meaningful practice, and that England becomes a child-friendly country where all children have freedom to play at home, at school, in parks and the built environment.

Download a pdf copy of our Consultation Response on the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

Additionally, Play England support the consultation responses from our partners Playing Out, Fields in Trust and the Town and Country Planning Association - amongst others.