The Project comprises a senior pitch, an all-weather (3rd. Generation) pitch, 50 by 30 metres; a junior grass pitch for under 12’s; a pavilion, incorporating a scout hall; a recreation ground and an associated housing development.
The land at Westfield Down is currently owned by East Sussex County Council and Mrs. Dunkley and her family. The two landowners have recently agreed how to deal with the housing land and have appointed a planning consultant to make the Outline Planning Application. Sadly, it took them over a year to reach agreement. Linked with that is the need to negotiate a legal agreement between the parties as to the provision of affordable housing, required by the District Council, and the provision of finance to help build the football facilities. We may have an answer on these planning matters by the year end.
When the housing land is sold to a developer, the recreation land, including the cricket ground, will be transferred to the Parish Council. That is the first step towards the Parish Council’s aims of providing much needed football and recreation facilities. Negotiations over the terms of the transfer have yet to be held.
The next requirement is a detailed planning approval. That will be a matter for the developer and the Parish Council. The current crisis in the housing market obviously puts a question mark over timing and, sadly, we are in the hands of the economy. Even if the cash in in place, a start could not be made without a road and services, which the developer needs to build.
The next requirement is money. The project, excluding the recreation ground, will cost about £1.3m., of which £200,000 relates to the Scout Hall. It is hoped that well over £800,000 will come from the Football Foundation and the planning agreement. The remainder will have to come from the Land Fill Tax Credit Scheme; Local Councils and fundraising. The Football Club will need to raise at least £50,000. It is obvious that Football Association support is required and a Football Plan has been prepared to support the application for grant aid. A vital meeting has been scheduled for July 24.
To summarise, two key issues should be resolved by the year end, namely planning and F.A. support for the scheme. If those matters go well, then timing for the project will depend upon the economy and fundraising. The project will probably be built in three phases, namely, the senior pitch and all weather pitch in phase 1; the pavilion in phase 2 and the recreation ground and youth pitch in phase 3. Detailed proposals and costs for the recreation ground have yet to be worked up.
Roger Carrier, June 2008
