What statutory protection there is for the preservation of school playing fields.

Under the School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) Regulations 1967, there is a requirement for every school to have available to it playing fields of an area related to the school roll. Town and country planning legislation provides certain safeguards in relation to proposals to develop playing fields, including school playing fields. National Planning Policy Guideline (NPPG) 11: Sport, Physical Recreation and Open Space sets out the planning policy framework that planning authorities should have regard to when considering proposals for the redevelopment of playing fields. Sportscotland must also be consulted on all planning applications and developments likely to prejudice or lead to the loss of playing fields. Planning authorities are required to notify the Scottish ministers where they are minded to grant planning permission for any proposal which would involve the loss of a playing field where sportscotland have advised against the proposal.