SPORTS clubs, community groups and residents are being urged to respond urgently to a government consultation that could significantly weaken protections for playing fields by tomorrow.

The warning comes from Active Dorset and is being promoted locally by Shaftesbury Town Council, which is encouraging organisations and individuals involved in sport and physical activity to make their voices heard.

The consultation proposes removing Sport England as a statutory consultee in planning decisions.

Sport England currently has a legal role in reviewing planning applications that affect playing fields, helping to safeguard land used for grassroots sport.

Active Dorset has warned that removing this role would “substantially change” how playing fields are protected and could have far-reaching consequences.

Campaigners point to historical evidence to underline the risks. Between 1979 and 1996, when Sport England did not have statutory planning protection powers, an estimated 10,000 playing fields were lost across England.

In Dorset and the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, where green space is already under significant development pressure, there are fears that similar losses could occur again.

Active Dorset also raised concerns about the potential decline in the quality of sports provision.

Without Sport England’s oversight, access to pitches, courts and other facilities relied upon by local clubs could be reduced, affecting opportunities for both children and adults to take part in sport.

The proposed change could also place additional pressure on councils, which would have greater responsibility for assessing and protecting sports infrastructure, while losing an important source of expert scrutiny.

Another key concern is the loss of national monitoring, as Sport England would no longer be able to track trends or intervene effectively to protect playing fields.

Active Dorset is encouraging partners, clubs and residents to complete the consultation and share it widely within their networks.

Shaftesbury Town Council has echoed the call, stressing the importance of protecting spaces that support healthy, active communities.

The consultation closes on January 13, and campaigners say the number of responses will play a crucial role in shaping the government’s final decision.