Mid Devon District Council has launched a public consultation on recommendations for the provision of playing pitch facilities for the district.

The Playing Pitch Strategy (and site action plans) which looks at football, rugby, cricket, hockey, tennis and bowls facilities and includes an assessment of the future needs for the area has been completed for Mid Devon by consultant Bennett Leisure and Planning.

The strategy is available to view on our website, with additional printed copies available for inspection at local libraries and in the main reception at the Council’s Phoenix House Office, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton subject to their opening hours.

The technical document has been prepared following Sport England’s guidance, and is supported by representatives from the national sports governing bodies and Sport England. The assessment of facilities and future needs have been informed through engagement with local sports clubs, schools and Town and Parish Councils.

Following the consultation, the Playing Pitch Strategy will be used by the Council to help inform the preparation of a new Local Plan for Mid Devon and will be capable of being used to help guide planning applications submitted to the Council for determination and the decisions made on these. It will also be capable of being used by the Council in the preparation of other plans, programmes and strategies, and by the sports community in Mid Devon to help inform investment decisions and applications for grant funding.

Councillor Richard Chesterton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration said:

“The completion of the Playing Pitch Strategy is an important step forward in helping us understand the need for improved provision of sports facilities across the district for our communities. It will be used to inform the preparation of a new Local Plan and in guiding decisions on relevant planning applications. There is now an opportunity for comments to be made on the Playing Pitch Strategy before it is finalised and endorsed by the Council as technical document.”

Comments on the Playing Pitch Strategy must be sent to the Council by 12 noon Monday 22nd November 2021. Please see our website for more information on the strategy and how to submit your comments.