Tom Hayes tables Play Sufficiency amendment to planning bill

Tom Hayes MP has officially tabled an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill which calls for a statutory Play Sufficiency duty to be embedded in planning law.

The amendment would require local planning authorities to assess, secure, enhance and protect sufficient opportunities for children’s play across formal and informal spaces, streets, neighbourhoods, parks, schools and more.

It also calls for local planning authorities to undertake and publish play sufficiency assessments at intervals to be defined in regulations, then integrate the findings and recommendations of the assessments into local plans, relevant strategies, infrastructure planning and development decisions.

The amendment also calls for planning authorities to not give permission for any development which would lead to a net loss of formal or informal play spaces – except where equivalent or improved provision is secured.

Eugene Minogue, Executive Director of Play England, said: “This is a big moment for play. We are working to shift policy into law.”

The move also has the support of the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA). SAPCA CEO, Richard Shaw, said: “The amendment tabled by Tom Hayes is a major step towards children finally having a voice in planning.

“To ensure that developers contribute towards inclusive, accessible play opportunities would be transformative in the journey to give children their childhood back.”