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Dear Resident
I apologise you will only just be receiving the hard copy of the consultation document. Unfortunately, a typo has been located, the document has been proofread several times however sometimes these things slip through, no-one is perfect and all we can do is apologise and put it right (the new document is below). The delay in receiving the initial leaflets was due to me having to take unexpected bereavement leave, the Parish Council does not currently have a Deputy Clerk and there was no one to undertake the work on my behalf.
Please be assured that there has never been an intention to mislead the Parish but to simply find out what you want. The Council would also like to clarify this is not a referendum or a legally binding vote, it is simply the Council asking its residents what they want – after all it’s your money.
The Council and I are looking forward to receiving your response and I will be looking to put a suggestion box in some other areas too so if anyone has any ideas let me know.
Your sincerely,
Lisa Rackett
Locum Clerk to Hawkhurst Parish Council
Consultation Information
Hawkhurst Parish Council needs your help, this is your chance to help decide how best to spend the Parish Council Tax you pay. When you have read this document, you will be asked to vote for one of two statements.
- Proceed with building a new community centre to provide new facilities; or
- Refurbish the existing facilities (KGV Sports Pavilion, the Copt Hall, and the Office at the Moor).
Refurbishment of Current Facilities
If the majority of residents vote to refurbish our existing facilities, the following improvements could take place:
- Renovate the Copt Hall
- Renovate the KGV Sports Pavilion
- Improvements made to the football pitches and play areas at the KGV and Heartenoak.
- Refurbishment of the Parish Office
- Improve public access to Fowlers Wood.
How would the projects be funded?
- Parish Council Tax
- Reserves held by the Parish Council
- Grant Funding
- Developer Contributions
- Reinvestment of Hall Hire Fees
The cost of these refurbishment projects has not yet been calculated by the Parish Council as all Councillors feel it is important to hear from the residents before moving forward with any project.
New Community Centre
Plans for a new Community Centre were drawn up in 2021, and planning permission was granted 15 July 2022 Application No. 21/03490/FULL. The project is currently estimated to cost around £4 million. In order to put out a tender to commence the project, further additional costs would be involved. The building would replace the existing Sports Pavilion at the KGV.
How would the project be funded?
- Public Works Loan
- Sale of the Office at the Moor
- Developer Contributions
- Sale of the Copt Hall for Development
- Increasing the Parish Council Tax by an Average of £12-£15 per household per month to cover the cost of the loan
- Grant Funding
The accurate cost of the new community centre has not been calculated by the Parish Council as Councillors feel it is important to hear from residents who pay the Parish Council Tax before moving forward.
You can also answer this consultation via the poll on our Facebook Page, by completing the form on our website at www.hawkhurst-pc.gov.uk or by emailing locumclerk@hawkhurst-pc.gov.uk. You can also complete the questionnaire https://forms.office.com/e/UhPyVk3eA7
Planning Permission Granted
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council granted planning permission on 15th July 2022, with a range of conditions.
The decision notice and the 50 planning documents associated with the application can be found here.
New Community Centre Consultation – March 2020
Ninety consultation forms were submitted with a total of 372 comments: Community Centre Consultation Feedback Report – March 2020
Draft views and site plans can be seen here:
View of proposed Community Centre
Another view of proposed community centre
Background
The current community hall, Copt Hall was originally thought to be beyond economical repair. A range of locations for a new hall was considered and we know that the preference is near Highgate. However, in January 2019 Hawkhurst Parish Council decided the King George V Playing Field was the only available location.
In early 2020 the project was highlighted at various village events: Village Fete, Farmers Market and U3A Picnic. A public meeting was also held in 2015, minutes of which can be found here.
Hawkhurst Community Trust 2018, an independent charity, was planning to oversee the day-to-day operation of the centre. Hawkhurst Community Trust 2018
Frequently Asked Questions – November 2021
We planned to break the project into stages.
Drainage of football pitches (2022-23);
Over flow car park (2023-24);
Building technical design and costs (2024);
Building tender (2024-25);
Playground move (2025-26); and,
Building construction (2025-27).
Between 2019 and 2022 a working group and then a committee managed the project, now it is the Full Council. This link is to the old committee agenda and minutes.
