‘Colossal’ community bid not enough to save Cuckfield play meadow

Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) have opted not to accept the bid for the meadow on Coutmead Road as the market value is up to £1 million.

Nigel Page, chair of Cuckfield Parish Council, said: “The Parish Council is disappointed to see this decision by MSDC and recognise the community effort to raise the sum of money put forward.

“The sum raised was an outstanding effort; in a different situation this may have been enough to secure the site. However due to the unique location of this site, it has attracted a very high commercial interest which appears to have pushed the price out of reach of the community.”

Play Meadow Users Association, with Next Steps Nursery who use the site, attempted to purchase the land for £103,400 with the intention to gift it to Cuckfield Parish Council for community use.

Councillor Page added: “We have always said this location holds a special place in the Cuckfield community, given its historic use by the play group and other community groups who have used it for many years. Although the current bid has been rejected, we remain optimistic that MSDC may reconsider if the value is not achieved by other means.”

There has also been a petition to save the meadow signed by 1,000 residents.

“Given the current planning application has been withdrawn, any new planning application now needs to be fully considered against the policies in our Neighbourhood Plan which having passed referendum now carries full weight. The Parish is also clear that any land the parish may own close to the site is deemed not suitable by all parties (except MSDC) due to access, heritage and distance to the play group,” the chair added.

A spokesman for MSDC said the Parish Council already owns land adjacent to the site which could be made available for this purpose.

In the light of this and the fact that the bid is only about 11 per cent of the open market value of the Council’s land, the Cabinet agreed to not accept the offer.

Janet Beales, of Next Steps Bursery, added: “Last week’s MSDC meeting to consider The Play Meadow Association’s bid to buy the Play Meadow for the Community was distressing to say the least.

“There was no discussion, it was a foregone conclusion that they were going to refuse our offer.

“Yes we must look to the future financially, yes the Council must have reserves, but not to the detriment of the community. This sale will deprive forever the opportunities that have been available to this and past generations. “

Next Step Nursery has used the meadow for 21 years for exercise and community events. Janet added that the alternative suggested by MSDC is unsuitable.

Flis Irving, who neighbours the meadow, said the ‘colossal’ bid represents its importance, and hopes the chances to save the meadow are not over, adding ‘it’s not over till the fat lady sings’.

She said she hopes an ombudsman will rule differently to MSDC, and said the value of the field is worth more than money to the community.