Unintended consequences

Tom Walker, Editor

Many policies look good on paper and seem well-equipped to achieve their primary aims. Some, however, will have unintended consequences. A recent example of the latter is the government’s plans to remove Sport England’s status as a statutory consultee on planning applications.

Introduced with the aim of speeding up the planning process and to boost the rate of housebuilding, the move probably would make decisions quicker. Sadly, it also places playing fields, sports pitches and outdoor recreational areas at risk. Without Sport England, we would lose the only safeguard we have to ensure construction projects do not result in a loss of active spaces.

Losing sports pitches and playing fields is hardly the desire of any government – and certainly not the current one, which has committed itself to boosting economic growth and wants a fitter and more active workforce driving this change.

The drive to build more homes is an important one – but it needs to be balanced with the need to keep a nation physically active. You can read more about the threat to Sport England’s role (and what industry leaders think about the proposals) from page 74 onwards. On the flip side, there are often long term benefits that can be achieved as a result of well-thought out policy implementation. Take play, for instance. The sector is now craving for a government-led strategy – and rightly so, seeing that the previous one was launched 17 years ago.

Encouraging developments and investment in play would not just provide an uplift to the physical and mental health of young people now. It would also help boost activity levels of parents, grandparents and carers - and instil in young people healthy habits that they will also carry into adulthood (more on this on page 94).

Jam today, jam tomorrow, as some might say. Given that the net result can only be positive all round, let’s do it!

Tom Walker, Editor

Tom Walker Editor T: +44 (0)7796 512769 E: [tom@nationmedia.uk](mailto:tom@nationmedia.uk)

John Challinor Publisher T: +44 (0)7971 043396 E: [john@nationmedia.uk](mailto:john@nationmedia.uk)