Over 30 million people do more than 150 minutes of sport and physical activity every week in England, while UK sports events attracted more than 77 million attendees in 2024. Participation in sport and recreation plays a vital role in supporting physical and mental health, social wellbeing and stronger communities. Yet many sports clubs and organisations are operating from constrained urban sites, where aging facilities can no longer keep pace with modern needs and expectations, and expansion is simply not an option.
This Insight Focus explores how relocating to larger sites, including Green Belt and greenfield locations where appropriate, can unlock modern, inclusive facilities, strengthen long-term financial sustainability and deliver wider community benefits. Drawing on Lichfields' experience of successfully securing planning permission for relocated sports venues, the report also highlights how these schemes can release existing sites to support wider strategic objectives, including the delivery of much-needed housing.
Read our Insight Focus to explore the key planning opportunities and policy considerations for sport and leisure organisations, landowners, land agents, local authorities, and development partners.
