Paddle UK has announced its full backing for Sport England in their campaign to safeguard their advisory role within national planning policy. This comes amid concerns that proposed alterations to planning regulations could lead to the extensive loss of playing fields and community sports facilities, potentially paving the way for housing developments. The organization emphasizes the critical importance of these spaces for public health and recreational activities, stressing that their disappearance would adversely affect both sporting communities and the wider population.

The Sport and Recreation Alliance's 'Protect Where We Play' initiative underscores the significant societal benefits derived from these recreational areas, estimating an annual contribution of at least £2 billion in enhanced well-being and supporting four million active individuals, including one million children. The potential for development to encroach upon 'blue spaces' is also a major concern, as it could restrict access for water sports clubs and disrupt planned activities. For instance, the Nottingham Kayak Club fears that the redevelopment of the City Ground stadium could impede access to their facilities on the River Trent. Similarly, the Solihull Canoe Club is apprehensive about losing a vital community parking area due to a proposed housing development in Catherine-de-Barnes.

Ashley Metcalfe, Chief Executive of Paddle UK, voiced strong disapproval of the proposed removal of Sport England as a statutory consultee in the planning process. He stated that such a move would be profoundly detrimental, removing essential protections for sporting environments. While blue space users might not immediately perceive direct impacts, Metcalfe highlighted that new housing and other developments frequently disrupt paddling activities. He reiterated that playing fields, parks, and gardens are indispensable for public health and well-being. Paddle UK is actively supporting Sport England and the Sport and Recreation Alliance, encouraging all its members to engage with the public consultation, sign relevant petitions, and reach out to their Members of Parliament to voice their objections.

Between April 2023 and March 2024, Sport England successfully protected over 1,000 playing fields, demonstrating the tangible impact of their role. However, the government has initiated an eight-week consultation on reforms to the statutory consultee system in planning, which concludes on January 13, 2026. The Sport and Recreation Alliance has launched a petition advocating for robust safeguards for playing fields, pitches, and community sports facilities, which Paddle UK strongly encourages its members to sign and to contact their MPs. Furthermore, Paddle UK has joined forces with Fields in Trust, a charity dedicated to preserving parks and green spaces across the UK, by signing a collaborative letter.