Practice

Sport, Physical Activity & Public Health

Guidance from Active Kent on embedding sport, physical activity and health infrastructure.

Kent’s landscape spans coastal communities, rural settlements, market towns, and urban centres which presents a unique opportunity to embed sport and activity into the heart of placemaking. High quality sports infrastructure plays a vital role in improving health outcomes, strengthening community cohesion, and supporting long-term sustainability.

The following information has been provided by Active Kent and Medway to assist stakeholders when considering the design and integration of sport, physical activity and public health within emerging developments.

For more information about how you can currently get active in Kent and Medway, please visit the Kent County Council website.

SPA & PH Overview

An overview of national, county and local policy and guidance for sport, physical activity and public health, and how these requirements apply to new development in Kent.

6.1 Playing Pitch Strategies

A Playing Pitch Strategy assesses the quantity, quality, accessibility, and future demand for outdoor sports pitches (e.g., football, rugby, cricket). These documents are held by local authorities. Typically, they include: Playing Pitch Strategy evidence could be used to identify:

6.2 Indoor and Built Facilities Strategy

A Built Facilities Strategy reviews indoor and built sport and leisure facilities such as sports halls, swimming pools, studios, gym spaces, and community facilities. It includes detailed analysis of: Built Facilities Strategy recommendations are useful to ensure proposals:

6.3 Sports England Facilities Planning Model

The Facilities Planning Model is a Sport England analytical tool for Local Planning Authorities, used to understand whether sports facility provision meets community need. It models: This modelling supports strategic choices around future facility investment.

6.4 Sports England design and cost guidance

Sport England offer best practice advice and guidance around planning for sports facilities. There is a comprehensive resources page on their website that creates an opportunity to plan, design, and budget for high quality, sustainable sport and community hub facilities. Guidance covers: