SCHOOLS and community facilities in Hailsham and Herstmonceux are among the places across the area set to benefit from hundreds of thousands of pounds in funding after Wealden District Council allocated the latest round of developer contributions.
The money, secured through Section 106 (S106) agreements with housing developers, is designed to offset the impact of new developments by funding improvements to schools, infrastructure and community services.
Among the biggest local winners is Herstmonceux CE Primary School, which has been awarded £263,138. The funding will go towards creating additional spaces across Early Years, KS1 and KS2, as well as building a new sensory space for pupils, and improving the school’s entrance, reception and office area.
Hailsham Library is also set to receive £31,959 for refurbishment works, while Hankham Primary School has been allocated £39,450 to expand and improve its outdoor facilities, ensuring more children can access play and learning spaces on the school site.
Additional funding of £91,737 has also been confirmed for Stone Cross School, which will improve access to facilities for all pupils.
The latest contributions also include money for wider transport and infrastructure improvements across the district, including bus services between Hailsham and Ringmer.
Councillor Ian Tysh, Wealden’s lead councillor for Planning and Environment, said:
“We don’t often draw attention to these payments, but it’s really important that local people see that the effort that goes into negotiating planning agreements on some of the larger sites in the district ensures direct benefits to the communities impacted by these developments.”
