However the National Playing Fields Association (NPFA), which campaigns to protect open spaces for recreation and sports, says that it is "immensely disappointed" by the government's record on protecting playing fields.

BBC: Playing fields sell-out accusation

And the NPFA rejects the claim that where there have been land sales, the replacement facilities are equivalent or better than those lost, arguing that many schools are swapping outdoor playing fields for indoor sports halls or gyms.

BBC: Playing fields sell-out accusation