Revised Development Strategy

Sport England can not and will not support the release of any land for housing which is currently used or was formally used for sport unless the land in question is shown to be surplus for sport through a robust assessment. Sport England is aware that WDC is producing a Playing Pitch Strategy, but until it is adopted Sport England would expect any planning application to show through a robust assessment, that the sports land/facilities are no longer required.

Sport England can not and will not support the release of any land for housing which is currently used or was formally used for sport unless the land in question is shown to be surplus for sport through a robust assessment. Sport England is aware that WDC is producing a Playing Pitch Strategy, but until it is adopted Sport England would expect any planning application to show through a robust assessment, that the sports land/facilities are no longer required.

Sport England can not and will not support the release of any land for housing which is currently used or was formally used for sport unless the land in question is shown to be surplus for sport through a robust assessment. Sport England is aware that WDC is producing a Playing Pitch Strategy, but until it is adopted Sport England would expect any planning application to show through a robust assessment, that the sports land/facilities are no longer required.

The economic benefits of sport in the West Midlands is also recognised and a Sport England survey in 2008, showed continued growth from 2002 with over £2.1 billion spent on sport-related goods and services in the region in 2008. In the same year, consumer expenditure on sport accounts for 2.9% of the total expenditure in the region, the highest percentage among the English regions. Compared with 2005, there is a 39% increase in sport-related consumption. During the period 2003-2008, the proportion of total consumer spending on sport has increased from 2.4% to 2.9%.
Sport and associated industries are estimated to employ 54,200 people in the West Midlands. This represents an increase of 23% over the period 2005-2008. During the aforementioned period, the percentage of sport related employment in the region increased from 1.8% to 2.2%. Employment linked to the sport-retailing sector increased very strongly during the 2005-2008 period, reaching 5,400 people employed. The region bucked the recession trend in all sport related indicators. Sport therefore plays a vital role in the economy in the West Midlands.
Whilst Sport England does not have evidence on the economic impact that sport has on Warwick DC, given the amount of sport played in and around the District, the economic value of sport to Warwick DC should not be overlooked.

Commercial indoor five aside, commercial indoor cricket, have been growing markets even in the most recent recession, creating employment and training opportunities on business parks. D2 uses therefore should be considered along side B1 uses, just as a number of gyms such as Virgin and Fitness First have been on business parks elsewhere in the country. E.g. Wolverhampton Business Park , Wolverhampton.

There is usually more employment opportunities generated through a commercial gym, e.g. David Lloyd Gyms or commercial football e.g. Football First D2 use, than a 100,000m2 B8 use.

Sport England would refer to previous comments regarding building on land used for sports. But we also add the need to ensure that there is sufficient playing fields to meet the additional demand created by the new housing and employment.
Sport England is aware that Warwick DC is also a sport facility strategy this important to ensure that there is adequate swimming, indoor bowling and sports hall provision. Until this work is completed Sport England would advise that our Sports Facility Calculator is used working out contributions from the housing which is to be created: http://www.sportengland.org/facilities-planning/planning-for-sport/planning-tools-and-guidance/sports-facility-calculator/

Ref Para 5.1.12
Sport England supports the aspiration for a stadium, but it should be noted that it will require significant infrastructure to support the sustainability of the stadium; i.e additional training pitches some of which will have the requirement for floodlighting..
Sport England would advise that WDC encourage LFC to work with the FA and Sport England as well the council in producing a robust finical and sports development plan.

Ref Para 5.1.21
Sport England has been supporting WDC in the preparation of the playing pitch strategy and sports strategy. Therefore we support this statement.

Ref Para 5.2.18
Sport England has been supporting WDC in the preparation of the playing pitch strategy and sports strategy. Therefore we support this statement.

Ref Para 5.3.18
Sport England has been supporting WDC in the preparation of the playing pitch strategy and sports strategy. Therefore we support this statement.

Ref Para 5.4.17
Sport England has been supporting WDC in the preparation of the playing pitch strategy and sports strategy. Therefore we support this statement.