The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said its Planning Policy Guidance (PPG 17) for open space, sport and recreation would provide local planning authorities with 'robust guidelines' on the need to protect open spaces and playing fields. It has also introduced legislation to protect smaller playing fields by lowering the size threshold from 0.4 hectares to 0.2 hectares - full to half a football pitch - upon which Sport England must be consulted when a planning application for development is submitted.
John Prescott, deputy prime minister, said the policies in PPG17 would help to 'ensure that everyone has access to well-managed open spaces, playing fields and sports and recreational facilities'. Estelle Morris, education secretary, added that the Government was 'investing more money into school sport than ever before', namely 750m for school sports facilities through the New Opportunities Fund and 130m for sports halls, changing facilities and all-weather pitches.
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