Blacon Neighbourhood Plan and Neighbourhood Development Order

Comment

Representation ID: 16582

Received: 28/01/2026

Respondent: Sport England

Sport England has objected to the Neighbourhood Development Order as the detail submitted is insufficient to demonstrate accordance with any exception to our playing field policy. We recognise that this procedure is not compatible with the way in which we would normally assess a scheme for development.

So as to minimise the distance between our position and the aspirations of the Blacon neighbourhood Alliance, we have proposed that the conditions proposed in the NDO are amended and supplemented with the following.

Condition 1 (reference para 2.5 condition 5 of the submission NDO)
Details of a scheme of drainage prior to commencement, including a surface water flood risk mitigation scheme and a scheme for the drainage of the playing field to be specified by a qualified sports turf consultant.

Condition 2 (ref condition 13)
Laying out of the playing pitches in accordance with a scheme that has been approved in accordance with Sport England’s Natural Turf for Sports Guidance and the FA’s Guide to Pitch and Goalpost Dimensions https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/facilities-and[1]planning/design-and-cost-guidance/outdoor-surfaces?section=natural-turf[1]sports-pitches-section


Condition 3 (ref condition 17)
Details of a community use agreement for the outdoor pitches and indoor facilities including the multi-use sports hall and kitchen/ change / toilet facilities using Sport England’s model CUA template and giving priority to the existing football clubs, Blacon Youth FC and Waggon and Horses FC.

Condition 4 (no existing condition)
Changing room and toilet facilities to be provided to Football Foundation standards https://footballfoundation.org.uk/changing-pavilion-design-key[1]considerations

If you would like any further information or advice, please the undersigned.