RAYLEIGH AREA ACTION PLAN - ISSUES AND OPTIONS CONSULTATION

Thank you for consulting Sport England on the above document. Sport England is the Government agency responsible for delivering the Government's sporting objectives. Maximising the investment into sport and recreation through the land use planning system is one of our national and regional priorities. You will also be aware that Sport England is a statutory consultee on planning applications affecting playing fields.

In response to the consultation, I would like to make the following comments on the document:

Sport England generally support the principle of the Rayleigh Area Action Plan.

Section 1.3 Rayleigh Town Centre states that the recent Retail & Leisure study (August 2008) 'notes that the centre would benefit from a greater range of leisure services'. Whilst it is appreciated that the AAP is at an early stage of evolution, future versions should be more specific as to what aspects of leisure services should be provided or enhanced in the area. If necessary, site allocations should be made in the AAP if there is a need for new facilities to be located in the area in response to the study.

Sport England support the identification of King George's Field within Figure 30: Rayleigh town centre summary urban design analysis plan and the identification of green links to this within Figure 35: Rayleigh Town Centre Concept Plan. This is because the accessibility of a community playing field to the town centre would be encouraged especially if there were improvements to the accessibility.

The AAP outlines the key role that the town centre plays in providing for local people's everyday needs and Sport England recommend the identification of the contribution sport facilities can make towards this.

I hope these comments are helpful. Please contact me if you have any queries about this response or would like advice on how Sport England can assist the Council to develop its LDF and component documents in relation to sport and recreation.