Private Recreation Spaces Under Threat in London's Draft Local Plan
Private gyms and recreational facilities within the City of London face potential demolition to make way for new office constructions, according to a stark warning from Sport England. The government body has raised serious concerns about insufficient protections in the Square Mile's draft Local Plan 2040, which could allow the loss of these spaces based on market demand and business planning considerations.
Sport England Declares Draft Plan Unsound
In its formal submission to the City Plan 2040 consultation, Sport England explicitly stated that it does not consider the current draft to be sound. This assessment primarily stems from a proposed amendment that would permit the removal of private sports facilities when justified by market conditions and business strategy. The draft plan, which outlines the City of London Corporation's vision for the next fourteen years, is scheduled for adoption later this year following a series of stakeholder hearings conducted in 2025.
A spokesperson for Sport England emphasized the organization's commitment to ensuring adequate sports and activity facilities for London's population, both presently and in future generations. "Without appropriate spaces for physical activity, new developments risk undermining public health improvements, exacerbating inequalities, and missing crucial opportunities to create environments where people can thrive," the spokesperson explained.
Controversial Amendment Sparks Conflict
The contentious section of the draft plan appears in the sport and recreation policy under "how the policy works." While the document initially promises to protect existing facilities where need exists and encourages new facilities following Sport England's Active Design principles, additional proposed text introduces significant flexibility. This text states: "However, the loss of private facilities may be acceptable in certain circumstances to allow suitable responses to market demand and effective business planning."
Mark Furnish, Planning Manager at Sport England, strongly objected to this wording in the organization's representation. "The additional text proposed by modification MM6 is inconsistent with the National Planning Policy Framework paragraph 104, so is not considered sound," Furnish wrote. He noted that paragraph 104 requires protection of sports facilities unless specific criteria are met, none of which relate to market demand or business planning considerations.
Corporation Defends Its Position
The City of London Corporation has defended its proposed modifications, stating in a published response that it considers the additional wording "helpful in relation to the assessment of private facilities." A Corporation spokesperson previously expressed confidence that "the City Plan is built on solid foundations and will successfully set an evidence-based blueprint for the future growth of the Square Mile."
Planning Inspectors Alastair Phillips and Jameson Bridgwater have been tasked with reviewing the plan and recommending necessary changes to ensure its soundness. The Corporation has forwarded all consultation responses to the inspectors for their consideration as the approval process continues.
Broader Stakeholder Concerns Emerge
Sport England is not alone in expressing reservations about the draft City Plan 2040. Numerous stakeholders have submitted feedback during the consultation period, with concerns ranging from heritage protection to development impacts. Historic England has warned that the Tower of London could suffer "serious harm" if the plan is adopted in its current form.
The S&P Sephardi Community has raised ongoing concerns about the impact of tall buildings on Bevis Marks Synagogue, while planning consultancy DP9 filed submissions on behalf of clients British Land and BNP Paribas. These responses welcomed certain aspects of the plan, such as the addition of a new tall building site in Broadgate, while suggesting amendments to other elements including cycle parking provisions.
As the City of London Corporation moves forward with its planning process, the tension between development pressures and community recreational needs remains unresolved. The final decision on whether private gyms and recreation spaces will receive adequate protection against office development will significantly impact the health infrastructure available to London's workers and residents in the coming decades.
