The proposed modifications to the merged policies BE22 and BE23 directly respond to representations made by Sport England on the pre-submission version of the plan and the modification that is the subject of related modification MM33 was subsequently agreed as part of the completed Statement of Common Ground with the Council although there have been a few minor amendments made to the modified policy since the SoCG was agreed. The deletion of policy BE23 and replacement with NE05 is therefore supported as it would be considered to accord with Government policy in paragraph 99 of the NPPF (2021).

Before the plan is finalised for adoption, a minor drafting error has been identified. In the new paragraph that precedes paragraph 5.185 and paragraph 5.185 itself, reference is made to the ‘Play Pitch Strategy’ when for accuracy it should be the ‘Playing Pitch Strategy’ which is the correct title of the Council’s document. It is requested that this be amended to avoid any potential confusion when the policy is implemented.