Leisure centre scheme takes step forward

The proposals for the land on Traunstein Way, Haywards Heath, include a two-storey building, with meeting rooms, changing facilities, a main hall and car parking.

When the Bolnore Village development was agreed, Mid Sussex District Council ensured that land was transferred for use as a recreation ground. Along with this, the developer, Crest Nicholson, gave the council some money towards the cost of building a new sports pavilion and other recreation facilities at the site.

Carlos Leon, chair of Bolnore Village Residents’ Association, said: “The opening of this facility will put Bolnore village firmly on the map.

“Following the success of the school, it will provide an additional and much-needed focal point and gathering place for this community of more than 2,000 people and is something that some residents have been waiting ten years for.

“We have already been inundated with ideas for various clubs and people wanting to hire a space for classes.”

Cllr Pru Moore, cabinet member for leisure and sustainability, said: “A new leisure and community building would mean so much to the residents of Bolnore Village.

“Council officers have worked closely with local people and carried out a high level of consultation to make sure that our proposals meet their needs and deliver the facilities they want.

“The council is working hard to deliver this facility and I am delighted that we are now at a stage where we are able to submit a planning application.

“The scheme will now go through the planning process, just like any other, and a decision will be made in the next month or two.”

It is not known when the work will be completed or how many jobs will be available once it is open.

A consultation was held in June and July 2011 to ask the public what they wanted on the site.

The consultation resulted in 164 questionnaires returned.

The majority opted for a full multi-use games area, suitable for tennis.

The main issues raised were in relation to the potential for noise and anti-social behaviour, access and parking arrangements.

To view the plans visit: http://pa.midsussex.gov.uk/online-applications and enter reference 12/04344/FUL