Landscape & A m en it y www.landscapeandamenity.com
January 2025 Special Feature Professional Groundscare supplement
Commitment to playing field protection continues Sport England protected more than 1,000 playing fields between April 2022 and March 2023, new figures show.
sport and physical activity, providing wide ranging health and wellbeing benefits to communities across England.
The annual playing field statistics show it protected 1,007 in the year to March 2023, continuing its commitment to protecting and enhancing playing fields across England.
“We are pleased to see the importance of our role has recently been endorsed by a government planning inspector in relation to a proposed housing scheme on a playing field in Yardley, Birmingham, who in dismissing the planning appeal gave great weight to Sport England’s objection to its loss.
Sport England’s commitment means 94% of all concluded planning applications involving a playing field have resulted in improved or safeguarded facilities, according to the data. Director of planning and active environments, Nick Evans, is pleased with the continued efforts of the planning team. “The figures once again demonstrate Sport England’s unwavering commitment to protecting and enhancing playing fields,” he said. “Playing fields are a vital resource that offer flexible opportunities to take part in
“This was just one of over 1000 applications that Sport England were consulted on over the year that culminated in safeguarded or improved provision. “It’s crucial we continue to protect these spaces to enable people, regardless of their background to be active in their local communities.” Sport England must be consulted whenever anyone wants to develop on a playing field and we’ll always object if we
Hard & Soft Landscaping Latest information from the urban environment Page 6
believe sports provision in the community will be diminished as a result. The new data, which covers the 2022/23 financial year, shows it continues to act to protect and enhance playing fields across the country. Sport England Enquiry 1
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94% (1,007 out of 1,075) of concluded planning applications affecting playing fields resulted in improved or safeguarded sports provision. Of the 140 applications where we maintained our objection, 72 (51%) were either withdrawn
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by the applicants or refused planning permission. In 69% of the cases where we originally objected to an application, further negotiations led to development being approved with improved or safeguarded sports provision.
Brushcutters
John Deere introduces new Gator
Round-up of the new products & case studies
John Deere has launched its new diesel Gator XUV 875M utility vehicle. Designed to improve productivity across various tasks, the Gator XUV 875M offers increased cargo capacity, enhanced comfort, and improved functionality. The new Gator model’s key features include a 22.8 hp engine with a fuel tank volume of 42.4 litres, a seating capacity for three (suitable for off-road use), a cargo box capacity of 454 kg, and fully independent suspension with 203/229mm travel (front/rear). The Gator XUV 875M builds on the reliability of previous models with an updated rear suspension design and tuned shock absorbers to enhance
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comfort. Key improvements include relocating the air intake 30 cm higher to ensure cleaner air intake, protecting the engine. Additionally, the new CVT (continuously variable transmission) air intake and exhaust system help draw cleaner air, protecting the system from debris, water, and mud. The redesigned cargo box of the Gator XUV 875M offers 13% more space than the XUV865M model, allowing for greater carrying capacity. The John Deere Gator XUV 875M utility vehicle will be available to dealers from spring 2025. John Deere Enquiry 2
Forestry Equipment Spotlight on the products you need Pages 21-22
GETTING THE JOB DONE For over 3 decades Campey have supplied high-quality, innovative turf care machinery that has been proven by many of the worlds leading turf care professionals creating and maintaining some of the worlds finest sports surfaces. Call +44 (0)1260 224568 or visit www.campeyturfcare.com
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