The PPS provides a detailed understanding of the current and future need for sports facilities across the district. It:

• Reviews the supply and condition of pitches for football, rugby, cricket and hockey, as well as key indoor facilities.
• Identifies where new or improved facilities will be needed as Winchester grows.
• Supports funding bids, investment planning and planning decisions.
• Ensures facilities are well‑located, accessible and suitable for all ages and abilities.

An up‑to‑date PPS is essential for:

• Supporting the Local Plan, ensuring new development contributes appropriately to sports provision.
• Protecting existing playing fields and ensuring any future proposals for change are backed by strong evidence.
• Strengthening bids for external funding from Sport England and NGBs.
• Planning effectively for population growth and changing participation trends.

• Football: There is a shortage of 3G pitches, leading to overuse of grass pitches; grass capacity meets much but not all peak‑time demand.
• Rugby: Pitches are heavily overplayed and further capacity or improvements, such as better drainage, will be required.
• Cricket: Supply largely meets demand, but pitch quality varies and two new pitches will be needed before 2040.
• Hockey: Current pitches are at capacity and lack secure community access; at least one additional pitch is required.
• Tennis: Current provision meets local demand.
• Padel: Provision is below national targets; more courts are needed, particularly near larger population areas.
• Swimming Pools: Pool capacity is more than adequate, though ensuring continued access to school and college pools is essential.
• Sports Halls: Supply generally meets demand, though some specialist clubs need more suitable dedicated spaces.