Ruislip Rangers Football Club has raised concerns following a government consultation on proposed changes to the planning system that could affect grassroots football facilities.
The consultation, which closed on Tuesday, January 13, sought views on reforms to the statutory consultee system.
Among the proposals was the possible removal of Sport England as a statutory consultee on planning applications involving playing fields.
Ruislip Rangers said Sport England currently plays a key role in safeguarding sports facilities and ensuring that any loss of playing fields is properly mitigated.
The club expressed concern that removing this protection could result in the loss of football pitches and reduce the availability of facilities for grassroots teams.
The proposals were considered during a period of growing participation in football, with several major international tournaments scheduled in the coming years, including UEFA EURO 2028 and a proposed bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035.
Responding to the consultation on Thursday, January 9, a government spokesperson said: “The government is consulting on reforms to the statutory consultee system. No decision will be made on the role until feedback on proposals have been fully reviewed.”
A petition opposing the proposed changes has attracted more than 29,000 signatures. Ruislip Rangers said it encouraged members and football stakeholders to take part in the consultation and engage with elected representatives while the process was open.
The government has confirmed that feedback is now being reviewed before any decisions are made.
For more information, visit www.shorturl.at/lXYuf
Photo credit: Ruislip Rangers Facebook
0 Comments