The Government is consulting on a proposal to remove Sport England as a statutory consultee for planning applications involving playing fields and pitches.  Sport England’s role not only helps to safeguard pitches but also advises developers and local authorities to ensure facilities remain accessible to all communities and support active and healthy lives.  Without this role, grassroots sport and grassroots hockey is at risk!

As part of the Protect Where We Play Campaign, the Sport and Recreation Alliance has launched a petition calling on the Government to retain Sport England’s statutory consultee role and protect our playing fields, pitches, and community sports facilities.

Please click on the petition link to have your say.

We need everyone in the hockey community, clubs, players, volunteers, and parents, to sign so please help if you haven't already signed the petition.

Together, we can protect our pitches. The consultation closes on 13 January 2026.