Developers' contributions used to fund fantastic new facilities
A recreation ground in Headley Down will soon see a fantastic range of brand new sports and play equipment thanks to money drawn from local developments.
Residents near Woodlands Community Hall can look forward to new football posts, a table tennis table, a new playground, an outdoor gym and a multi-use games area where they can play football or basketball.
The total cost of the project is more than £250,000, with over £220,000 coming from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
As part of the planning process developers make financial contributions towards upgrading local infrastructure. This money is collected by EHDC and made available to communities that have seen development in their area.
Cllr Angela Glass, Portfolio Holder, Regulation & Enforcement, said: “Whenever new homes are built in the district we can collect a contribution from the developer to improve the infrastructure in the area for existing residents.
“This can go towards new medical care, schools or roads, or it can be used to provide fantastic new facilities like these.”
The funding was also topped up by £25,000 from EHDC’s Welfare Fund and another £5,000 of CIL funding through Headley Parish Council.
The full project, anticipated to be completed later in 2024, will see:
- A new multi-use games area – an all-weather sports court
- A new teen shelter
- More benches and seating
- New football posts
- The current play area replaced with all new equipment
- An outdoor gym
- And an outdoor table tennis table
Residents can have their say on the full details of the plans through a public consultation which will begin at the Woodlands Fun Day on Saturday 12 August.
Cllr Adeel Shah, EHDC's Portfolio Holder for Community Development and Engagement, said: “This new equipment will be a significant improvement over what is already available, allowing residents to come outside to play sports, keep active, and enjoy the communal place together.
“The present facilities at Woodlands Hall are antiquated and inaccessible, so this renovation will benefit the families who live nearby greatly, and we are waiting in anticipation to see the new facilities next year.”