ukactive responds to Government’s updated National Planning Policy Framework

ukactive has issued the following statement in response to the updated National Planning Policy Framework published on 17 August 2026. 

ukactive welcomes the Government’s decision to retain Sport England’s statutory consultee role following its consultation on planning reform. The updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has also maintained its commitment to protecting the quality and quantity of physical activity provision, as well as strengthening the provision of facilities by including them in references to sporting spaces. 

This decision follows extensive lobbying by the sector on the Government’s planning reforms, which included the proposal to remove Sport England’s statutory consultee status in order to speed up planning decisions for homes. The original proposal risked the removal of physical activity provision, which is often permanent and reduces opportunities within communities.  

ukactive’s submission to the consultation stressed the importance of providing spaces for physical activity as part of any housebuilding programme, to ensure all residents can access the benefits for their health, wellbeing and social connection.  

Our lobbying work continues to highlight the importance of physical activity provision across the UK, including our ongoing work with Government on its High Street Strategy. 

Clemency Lion, Director of Research, Policy and Communications at ukactive, said: “This decision from the Government rightly recognises the crucial role of physical activity spaces in creating a healthy population, with all the benefits that provides.  

“New housing must be built with this provision in mind, as we already know how difficult it can be to retroactively provide facilities in areas without access. 

“We must protect and grow our nation’s infrastructure for physical activity, from our parks and playing fields to our gyms, pools and leisure centres, which form the fabric of our communities.  

“We will continue to work with Sport England, our sector partners and the Government to put physical activity at the heart of our nation’s blueprint for growth.” 

To read the National Planning Policy Framework in full click here.