A high profile collection of cultural bodies and government departments have joined forces to launch an action plan pointing out the importance of culture and sport to communities, and to provide an information resource for planners.

Living Places’ members include the Arts Council England, English Heritage, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and the Regional Cultural Consortiums, who have worked up an eight point action plan to be adopted by those involved in building communities, to ensure that sports and culture are used to their best advantage.

The partnership has put together a body of research proving that good use of sport and culture within a community can make it more integrated, with locals mixing and trusting each other, encourages people to be active, boosts the economy, reduces anti-social behaviour and makes residents proud.

Executive director of the Arts Council England, Sarah Weir, says Living Places brings together a wealth of experience from all its partners: “The millions of homes built over the next 15 years will be our legacy to future generations.

“Planners, local authorities and house builders tell us that culture and sport are important for creating interesting new communities.

"But people are confused about putting these tools into practice. To help them, Living Places will provide a wealth of experience and guidance from across the cultural sector through one single gateway.”