A HUGE £18M Sports Park aimed at increasing sports facilities for the area has been approved by Wealden District Council Planning Councillors.

Located on land just north of the Boship Roundabout, the plans will include two artificial football pitches, tennis and netball courts, a skate park, play areas as well as a pavilion with cafe, changing facilities and toilets.

Residents near the site are opposed to the development saying noise from the facility would impact their living environment and the plans for it to be open until 11pm, is unacceptable.

The Sports Park was the focus of a Wealden Planning South Meeting this morning (25th January) where 50% of the councillors on the planning committee were against the plans, whilst the remaining half wanted them approved.

The casting vote was made by Chairman Gavin Blake-Coggins to go ahead with the park. When approving the plans, Mr Blake-Coggins said: “I’ve been dreading this moment for five years.”

Wealden Councillor David White, who is also Chairman of Hellingly Parish Council said: “There are planning policies in place to protect the countryside, and all these suggest this site is not appropriate. It will damage the countryside, there’s a risk of flooding and the plans are not supported by residents, Hailsham Active or the Parish Council.”

Councillor Neil Cleaver, who sits on the planning committee said: “I believe that certain councillors are predetermined on this application and should not be able to vote.” He then asked for all the votes to be recorded.

Steve Wennington from Hailsham Active spoke to Hailsham News after the approval. He said: “I’m disappointed with the decision and disappointed they didn’t seek alternative options for the town. The alternative is for it to be community-led, not outsourced which this park would be. I’ve been appealing for them to involve the community more in the plans, but they have gone the opposite route.”

Speaking at the meeting to support the plans was Dominique Corbett who represents Hailsham Town Football Club. She told the committee: “The club is in favour of the plans as we have 220 players and constantly struggling to find training and playing facilities in the town. Other football groups have the same problem in Hailsham and we feel the sports hub will give more opportunities to young people locally.”

Other concerns about the development were raised such as the lack of bus stops, cycling facilities to the site, floodlighting, noise and run-off water which will apparently be fed into the nearby River Bull, according to the documents. The developers said they will work with the planning department and residents to resolve their concerns.

The full plans can be found on the Wealden District Council Planning Portal by searching for application number: WD/2023/2100/DC.