Council to discuss £1.2m Polegate recreation ground plans

On Wednesday (October 7), Wealden District Council’s cabinet is due to consider the potential allocation of up to £1.2m of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) money for a range of improvements at the Brightling Road Recreation Ground.

The CIL money, which comes from charges paid by developers, has been requested by Polegate Town Council for a “comprehensive” redevelopment scheme.

In a report to cabinet, a council spokesman said: “Polegate and the surrounding area has received significant housing growth and development and the new and improved community and sports facilities being proposed at Brightling Road Recreation Ground will provide a wide range of health, wellbeing and social benefits for the growing population.

“It will also ensure residents have access to fit for purpose, high-quality, accessible, local facilities for years to come.

“Without the council’s financial contribution and support, it is unlikely that the proposed improvements can be delivered in full.”

The report says the town council’s plans bring together “multiple long-planned projects into a single, coordinated scheme”.

These projects include: improvements for the site’s existing football pitches and sports courts; new lighting; path widening; new BMX track; climbing boulder; and an accessible children’s play space.

The programme would also see ancillary facilities for catering, changing and toilets, CCTV and a small car park.

Other plans are to resurface the recreation ground’s beginner skate area and provide a new concrete skate park.

A final decision on the funding will be put to a full council vote at a future date. At this stage, cabinet members are set to decide whether to endorse the proposal.

If funding is approved by full council, the district council would be expected to enter into a Grant Funding Agreement (GFA) with Polegate Town Council. The town council itself is expected to invest a further £295,000 into the project.

Works would be expected to begin in December and could be completed before Summer next year, the council says.