Planning

When it comes to planning applications, SSL offer the expertise you need.

SSL have unrivalled experience of developing and submitting planning applications for sports facilities. Our planning knowledge, in combination with our sports facility expertise, enables us to offer our clients a service that outweighs that of other non-industry specific planning consultants.

The Planning Application

With our own in-house CAD Department, SSL provide a full suite of drawings to illustrate the proposed project. Once all associated parties are happy with the plans, SSL oversee the project through the entire planning process. We do this by compiling a detailed planning application. Our team develop an application referring to both Local and National Planning policies and explaining the design guidance that has been adhered to. It’s important that both the local authority and community understand and ‘buy into’ the project & so, where possible, SSL will ensure the application outlines the need for such a facility. SSL arrange all specialist surveys, complete all necessary paperwork and submit the application before being on hand to respond to any queries from the local authority/consultees during the evaluation process.

Sports Governing Body Compliance

The SSL team have a vast amount of experience in designing sports facilities. Our knowledge base has led to the SSL team previously being engaged in an advisory role for sports governing bodies. Our technical designs and specifications are assured to meet the highest recommendations of National Governing Bodies of Sport including:

  • British Standard European Norm (BS EN)
  • England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
  • England Basketball
  • England Hockey
  • England Netball
  • Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
  • Football Association (FA)
  • International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)
  • International Hockey Federation (FIH)
  • International Tennis Federation (ITF)
  • Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)
  • Rugby Football League (RFL)
  • Sport England
  • World Rugby

Funding

Sports governing bodies are less likely to fund a project proposal that does not comply to their own design expectations/requirements. If grant funding is being sourced from a particular sports governing body, SSL can ensure the design meets the expectations of that governing body, or advise our client otherwise. Information provided by SSL often forms the basis for attracting funding from bodies such as Sport England or the Football Foundation. Engaging with an independent sports facility specialist consultant is often viewed in a positive light by grant providers.

Health & Safety

Health and Safety is paramount to any SSL project. The HSE has Construction, Design and Management (CDM) Regulations intended to protect the health and safety of construction workers and others who may be affected by their activities.  Our clients often appoint SSL to fulfil the role of Principal Designer which involves planning, managing and monitoring health and safety in the pre-construction phase of the project. SSL are well versed to designing out risk wherever possible. We also provide guidance to our clients to ensure they are aware of their HSE responsibilities in relation to the planned construction project.