Playing fields to get special protection from housing developments The Football Association had warned that talented footballers of the future would have nowhere to train if councils were allowed to sell off pitches. More than 80 per cent of the sport is played on publicly-owned land. Sport England also urged the Government to re-think its proposals, arguing that weakening protection of sports facilities could limit the Olympic legacy by failing to safeguard facilities for future athletes. Addressing these concerns, the text of the National Planning Policy Framework is now expected to say that "existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, should not be built on unless the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision." Despite the alterations, ministers still hope the plans will lead to thousands of new homes being built across England and Wales. It emerged this weekend the reforms could be used to push through a new town of up to 100,000 people near Birmingham, slicing through an area of countryside called the Meriden Gap. However, the Government's own lawyers have warned officials that opponents could use human rights laws to block unwanted new developments. David Cameron last week said he was ready to ignore "furious objections" to building on the countryside to make sure Britain has better transport links and enough housing. But yesterday, the Prime Minister emphasised his deep love for the great outdoors in an article for Countryside Alliance magazine. Mr Cameron said the countryside is in his "blood" and should be "protected for everyone's benefit." He also spoke of taking up riding in later age, after being put off by an episode with a wild pony at a young age. Barney White-Spunner, executive chairman of the Countryside Alliance, said he now has "renewed confidence... that the Prime Minister recognises the need for more rural housing but that he won't place a countryside he clearly values under threat from unsuitable development."