The government changed its policy on selling playing fields in 1998

Since 1998, laws governing the sale of school and college playing fields mean they cannot be sold without the approval of the government.

Ministers are adamant that any sale of land benefits school sports facilities and not commercial ventures.

But some schools say this makes it very difficult to balance their books.

East Devon College in Tiverton has its own playing field, but it is often under-used.

People need open spaces, particularly for youngsters and for clubs to indulge in various sporting activities Gordon Davies, Tiverton Civic Society

As a result, the college says it has to consider its financial viability as it has to keep chasing the changing requirements of education.

College principal Jonquil Brooks said: "Our funding body, the Learning and Skills Council, requires us, as part of our accommodation plans, to look at maximising the value of all our assets.

"As part of that exercise we are required, as a government regulation, to look at the value of the field."

But Gordon Davies, of the Tiverton Civic Society, said it was important open spaces were protected.

"People need open spaces, particularly for youngsters and for clubs to indulge in various sporting activities.

Selling pitches

"This is nationally important and if we don't make a stand here, a small field will have gone and that will be another area that will be built upon and not be available for future generations."

Sports Minister Richard Caborn said government policy had changed in the past few years towards the selling off of sports fields.

"Up until 1997 we were selling football pitches to build supermarkets.

"But now the reorganisation of open spaces is leading to the development of enhanced sports facilities.