This study was one of four playing pitch strategies produced concurrently in 2010/11, to underpin the county’s emerging Building Schools for the Future programme.
A full audit and assessment was undertaken, using Sport England’s Playing Pitch methodology.
The particular value of this study has been in using it to obtain contributions from developers towards new sport and recreation facilities.
Ross Kennerley, Natural Environment and Recreation Manager at South Hams District Council said:
“South Hams Council was particularly pleased with the Playing Pitch Strategy received in 2010. Following adoption by the Council it has been used widely to support bids for funding and to assist club development. The greatest strength has been in underpinning negotiations for funding from new developments – with the most recent example being securing over £250,000 for sports facilities, through a s.106 agreement, from a housing development in Totnes. The development application was decided at Appeal with the planning inspector’s agreement to the requirement hinging on the strength of the council’s evidence. Extracts from the Playing Pitch Strategy were submitted to the inspector and, having found the PPS to be CIL compliant, were crucial in securing the funding”