Playing Pitch Strategies
It is Sport England's guidance that to ensure there is a good supply of high quality playing pitches and playing fields to meet the sporting needs of local communities, all local authorities should have an up to date Playing Pitch Strategy.
Covering both natural and artificial grass pitches, Playing Pitch strategies have been developed across the country with the input of the following national governing bodies:
- The Football Association
- England and Wales Cricket Board
- Rugby Football Union
- Rugby Football League
- England Hockey Board
In Wiltshire we cover two local authorities and have been involved with the development of a PPS in both:
- Swindon Borough Council
- Wiltshire Council
Our work has involved ensuring that accurate data is captured on the current provision of cricket in both areas. The PPS production follows certain technical processes to identify current and future supply and demand for pitches. We have fed in to this process by checking and challenging the quantitative data but also by providing qualitative information around what we know may be happening or may be on the horizon that could have a bearing on facility needs.
Essentially we have helped to ensure that the PPS findings and recommendations reflect the local needs and circumstances facing our sport. The PPS work is intended to help inform wider open space and leisure policies and initiatives for the area
For an update on the PPS for each loal authority area please see the two links above