Latest news with #WealdenDistrictCouncil
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wealden projects receive share of more than £42,000 in funding
Twelve projects in Wealden have been given a share of more than £42,000. The funding was allocated by Wealden District Council's Infrastructure and Community Spaces Grants programme. The programme, which is part of the Government's Rural England Prosperity Fund, aims to improve local infrastructure, community spaces, and create more accessible, sustainable environments. In the second round of the programme, £42,878.86 was allocated to support various projects. These include the addition of picnic benches and parasols at East Dean and Friston Cricket Club, the installation of a stair-climber for improved accessibility by Horam Parish Council, and enhancements to pathways with non-slip surfaces at Uckfield Millennium Green. The Nutley Memorial Trust introduced solar battery storage at the War Memorial Hall, while Forest Row Parish Council created an accessible pathway to the playground. Wadhurst Parish Council improved the woodland area by purchasing benches, a dog waste bin, and bird and bat boxes. Councillor James Partridge, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) lead councillor for Governance, Waste & Local Economy and leader of the council, said: "It's really rewarding to run programmes like this and be able to support local organisations with funding that makes a real difference. "This investment helps preserve and improve valued areas across our district. "From sports clubs and community centres to green spaces and nature areas, it's all about ensuring that our residents have access to safe, inclusive, and sustainable places that support both wellbeing and community life." The Rural England Prosperity Fund is a new £110 million, two-year capital fund from the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs. It has enabled councils to support projects in rural areas of the district. The full list of the organisations awarded funding for 2024/25 can be found on the Wealden District Council website.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New lease for leisure centre, council says
A leisure centre which was previously at risk of closure has now secured a lease until 2042, Wealden District Council says. Uckfield Leisure Centre had been subject to a campaign to save it in 2023, leading to 5,000 people signing a petition to safeguard the site. The council says it will now continue to lease the site from East Sussex County Council into the future, with Freedom Leisure contracted to operate the site until April 2027. Contracts for running the leisure centre, alongside Hailsham and Crowborough leisure centres, will be awarded in the next 12 to 18 months, the council added. Kelvin Williams, lead councillor for public health and asset management, said: "We have put £78,000 towards improvements and have already undertaken works which have included a new pool cover, destratification fans in the pool and in the gym, circulation pumps and a new chlorine bulk tank. "There are further planned energy efficiency measures to be installed at the centre over the next 12 months." Nearly 140,000 visits were made to the leisure centre between April and November 2024, a spokesperson for the council added. In the same time period, more than 40,000 visits were made to the swimming pool. Wealden District Council had previously agreed to hand the site back to East Sussex County Council in October 2022, but later agreed to seek a new lease after a campaign to save it. The site was later listed as an asset of community value, meaning that the local community would be given a chance to bid for it if it comes up for sale in the future. According to the council, Freedom Leisure has invested over £300,000 into improvements to the swimming pool as well as new fitness equipment, a spin studio and wellness studio. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Consultation opens into 1,700-home proposal GPs and sports centre join forces Wealden District Council
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Campsite plans reconsidered after High Court bid
Camping facilities in East Sussex will go before the Planning Inspectorate for a second time after a High Court challenge. Wealden District Council took the agency to court after Wellshurst Golf and County Club, near Hailsham, won planning consent for the scheme on appeal against the council's initial refusal. The council, inspectorate and developer agreed prior to a trial that a new inspector would redo the appeal, according to a court document. The council said this was a "triumph for environmental protection" but a spokesperson for the developer said the inspectorate has merely "agreed to relook at a minor part" of the decision. A Planning Inspectorate spokesperson said they cannot comment as the issue "remains a live case". The proposal would see 18 caravan spaces, six "lodge-style pods", and a shower and office block built on unused golf club land. Camping facilities "would greatly support" continued growth of the business, the club said in planning documents. Wealden District Council denied planning consent to the scheme in 2023, claiming the scheme would "result in direct and indirect effects" on "irreplaceable" ancient woodland nearby. The golf club's owner, Downsview Leisure, successfully appealed the council's decision in 2024. It accused the council of taking "a rather subjective view and narrow view" on issues that could be "easily controlled or remedied". The council said in appeal documents that the plans "clearly conflict with policy requirements to protect irreplaceable habitat" and do not "respect the intrinsic character of the countryside". The Planning Inspectorate said in its decision that conditions on planning permission would "directly address most, if not all, the concerns raised". Following the High Court order, Wealden District Council said it was "concerned the planning inspector had failed to properly assess the effects on the ancient woodland" of development. A spokesperson for the developer said: "The inspectorate agreed to relook at a minor part of the proposal and standing advice in respect of 15m buffer zones around ancient woodland." They added that "no part" of the development would be within designated ancient woodland and they "await this further updated appeal assessment". The Planning Inspectorate will pay the developer's £11,000 legal costs from the High Court challenge, according to the court order. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Planning appeals cost council over £750,000 Appeal to build on greenfield site rejected Ancient oak linked to Elizabeth I on prize shortlist Wealden District Council
BBC News
21-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Historic building in Uckfield declared unsafe due to cracks
A historic building has been declared unsafe due to multiple cracks in its faç cracks were found in the Grade II listed building in Uckfield High Street, forcing the pavement outside to be closed due to the risk of falling management measures have been implemented while the building is made safe, which Uckfield Town Council said could take up to three in the area will be able to remain open, Wealden District Council said. Due to the height of the building and close frontage onto the pavement, falling debris posed a risk to both pedestrians and passing motorists, the town council said."This building is part of Uckfield's history and this news is incredibly sad, so please join us in allowing the structural engineers to carry out the necessary work required to get scaffolding up and make this building safe," a spokesperson said."It may be sooner but we will need to allow for two to three weeks of disruption just in case." Parts of the building, which received listed status in 1953, date back to the 18th Century, according to Historic with the building were first brought to the attention of Wealden District Council on 4 February and the building has since been inspected to assess its East Sussex Highways spokesperson said: "We are working with colleagues at Wealden District Council and the East Sussex Building Control Partnership, who are managing this situation, to ensure the safety of the public and to minimise disruption to road users."
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Residents given say on skate park plans
A public consultation has been launched into the design of a new skatepark in East Sussex. Residents are being asked for their views on two proposed design options for the park, which will be part of the Wealden Community Sports Hub, near Hailsham. Wealden District Council has provided an online window for feedback and it remains live until 19 March. The consultation will help ensure the scheme meets the needs and preferences of everyone in the community, a senior councillor has said. Designed by Canvas, a local consultation, design, and construction company specialising in concrete skateparks, each look aims to create inclusive and accommodating spaces for both beginners and experienced skaters. One option emphasises a designated 'slow' section for those starting out, along with younger users, allowing them to practice the basics and build confidence. The second design is aimed largely at the needs of seasoned skaters but also includes an alternative layout option to appeal to a more mixed skill-set. Councillor Kelvin Williams, lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management called the park "a vital recreational space that encourages physical activity, creativity, and social interaction". "This consultation is crucial to ensure that our new skatepark meets the needs and preferences of the community," he said. "We urge residents of all ages to participate in the consultation and help us create a facility that everyone can enjoy." Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Organic skate park offers sessions to older riders New wheeled sports area open in seafront park Wealden District Council
