PLANS to improve Polegate’s Brightling Road Recreation Ground have moved a step closer after council leaders backed a bid for up to £1.2 million in funding.
Wealden District Council’s cabinet agreed to support the proposed allocation of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) money at its meeting on Wednesday, October 7.
The funding, collected through charges paid by developers, has been requested by Polegate Town Council for a redevelopment including a new BMX track, improved football pitches and upgraded play facilities.
A final decision on the funding allocation will be made by full council at a future meeting.
Cllr Kelvin Williams, cabinet member for public health and asset management, said: “Providing this sort of facilities for young people and for people of all ages, I think is really important.
“It is about actually showing the council’s commitment and using its CIL in the correct way and using it for the benefit of the local community.”
The scheme brings together several long-planned projects, including improvements to existing football pitches and sports courts, new lighting, wider paths, a climbing boulder and an accessible children’s play space.
Plans also include catering, changing and toilet facilities, CCTV and a small new car park.
The existing beginner skate area would be resurfaced, while a new concrete skate park is also proposed.
Cllr Williams said Polegate Town Council had carried out public engagement to shape the plans, describing the project as “developed by the community for the community”.
If full council approves the funding, Wealden would be expected to enter into a Grant Funding Agreement with Polegate Town Council, which is expected to contribute a further £295,000 towards the project.
The council says work would be expected to begin in December and could be completed before summer 2027.
