Their research shows that 95 per cent of planning applications which affected a sports playing field in 2008/2009 resulted in the facilities being improved or safeguarded.

Landowners, including Councils, are required to consult Sport England on any proposed development that would affect or lead to the loss of a sports playing field.

Sport England objects to all applications unless the developer can prove it will improve or safeguard sports provision.

The figures show:

That 1,181 out of 1,239 (95.3 per cent) concluded planning applications affecting playing fields in 2008/09 resulted in improved or safeguarded sports provision

In two fifths (43 per cent) of the cases where Sport England originally objected to an application, further negotiations led to an overall improvement in sports provision

Of the 168 applications where Sport England sustained its objection, 78 were either withdrawn by the applicants or refused planning permission

Despite formal objections from Sport England, the number of applications which led to a detrimental impact on sport was 58 (4.7 per cent).

These figures do not include a change in the law which came into force in April last year which gave Sport England more power to protect playing fields by including mini-pitches, often found at many primary schools.

These were previously too small to qualify for protection.

The impact of this change will be reported with the 2009/10 figures.

Jennie Price, Sport England's chief executive, said: "If we're going to create a lasting mass participation legacy from London 2012, it's vital that the places where people play sport are protected and improved.

"I'm pleased that the latest figures again demonstrate that the safeguards put in place are working, but that's only the first step.

"We also need to make sure playing fields continue to play a key role in community sport so that generations to come can develop a life-long sporting habit."

The Minister for Sport and the Olympics, Hugh Robertson MP, said: "I want to increase the sporting opportunities to the maximum number of people and having good access to playing fields is crucial for this to happen.

"These latest figures from Sport England show that playing fields are being well protected.

"On top of this our 'Places, People, Play' strategy to drive the sporting legacy from London 2012 will upgrade playing fields up and down the country and help inspire a new generation to get involved in sport."