Specific reference in Policy P17 to sports hubs in the Green Belt not being inappropriate development.

Objection is made to Policy P17 because it should make specific reference to proposals to allow for the development of sports hubs within the Green Belt. Sports hubs are referred to in other policies in the Local Plan, including as specific requirements related to some of the allocations.

Although the National Planning Policy Framework does regard the provision of appropriate facilities (in connection with the existing use of land or a change of use) for outdoor sport as not inappropriate development, an explicit reference to sports hubs in Policy P17 would avoid any doubt that very special circumstances would need to be demonstrated.