At the beginning of the year your Parish Council mooted the idea of a multi use games area as an additional asset to the community and to be located on Headley Recreation Ground.
Thus over the course of 8 weeks we wrote to all of the residents local to the planned area to ascertain if they would like such a facility. We also advertised this by letter, in the shop window, on the Parish Council website and also via the Parish Magazine. It was also discussed at Parish Council meetings.
The feedback to our survey was overwhelmingly positive and in particular it was commented that it was good that something was being considered for younger people, in fact around 85 children were mentioned in response to the question “My children would use the facility?”
As a consequence we applied for planning permission although that was delayed by the speed of delivery of the necessary drawings and biodiversity report form the consultant. However the application was made and Planning Notice duly issued and posted.
Inevitably not all are in favour although it does seem sad that ignores the wishes of the majority. However everyone is entitled to their view but recently a leaflet has been circulated accusing the Parish Council of poor communication and lack of transparency. This needs correction, apart from the above actions proposed layouts were posted to all those residing immediately adjacent to the Recreation Ground and the preferred one indicated.
We ourselves only received the formal drawings and report the end of September and immediately submitted them to the planning authorities and they are published on their website for all to see. Finally at a request we have planned an information sharing session on the 28th October at the Pavilion although in truth there will probably be little to add.
Ultimately the process will be decided via the planning authorities but I would remind those that previously expressed support of the facility it is not only objections that can be posted on the planning portal but comments in support as well. The reference is 24/01039/FUL and the link is http://planning.basinsgstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.Do?activeTab=summary&KeyVal=SD3X0LCRGOY00
Yours Sincerely Stephen Hoskins Chairman Ashford hill with Headley Parish Council.