PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
PROTECTION OF BOWLING GREENS (DEVELOPMENT CONTROL) BILL (3 April 2011)

That this House notes the provisions of the Protection of Bowling Greens (Development Control) Bill introduced by the hon. Member for Barrow and Furness on 28 March 2011; further notes that bowling is a sport enjoyed by more than 400,000 people across Britain; recognises that bowling clubs are frequently community hubs and that the sport is a valuable source of physical, social and mental activity for many, including older people; further notes that large numbers of bowling greens have closed or are under threat as a result of sale for development or local authorities ceasing maintenance; believes that existing planning regulations have proved to be insufficient to adequately protect England's bowling greens; and supports the measures in the hon. Member for Barrow and Furness's bill to improve planning protection for greens and to introduce a community right to buy for any green proposed for disposal.

Sponsored by:
Lord Walney (Crossbench)