Public consultation now closed

Thank you to everyone who completed the survey.

The results will be analysed by the Parish Council's Playpark Working Group and published on this webpage in due course. 

* What about land management e.g., grass cutting and leaf clearance?

If a play area goes ahead, the Parish Council would be responsible for this area. The Parish Council has other land management responsibilities within the Parish and therefore its contractor would attend the site fortnightly during the cutting season (March - October), as well as undertake leaf clearance in the autumn/winter. The Parish Council already manages the Lady Hope Playpark in Plaistow, and its contractor is experienced in maintaining play areas.

* What about rubbish collection?

If a play area goes ahead, the Parish Council would be responsible for this area. A litter bin would be installed. The Parish Council already contracts with Chichester District Council to manage public bins within the Parish e.g., at the Lady Hope Play Park in Plaistow. The Parish Council has experience managing public litter bins and would ensure that the type of bin installed minimises the risk of unwanted visitors e.g., foxes.

*What about dog fouling?

Dogs are prohibited from entering children's play areas. The Parish Council would install a sign to remind people of this standard rule. The area is currently open to the public with a bench; therefore, in its present situation, it is more likely to attract dog fouling as people can visit the area with their dog. Most people who use playgrounds understand that dogs are not permitted.

*The area is too small to host any worthwhile equipment for children

Carers with young children know that children find joy in the simplest things and in the most unlikely of places. The montage of images at the top of this page demonstrates the types of play equipment that this area could host. Young children will certainly enjoy using any of the illustrated items - especially if they have met up with a little friend. An indicative design can be found further below - this area has been considered by a playpark company and is confirmed big enough to host - by way of example only - a single baby swing, a hide and slide playhouse and a 4-child rocker. Therefore, depending upon the sizes of the most popular equipment selected as part of this consultation process, the site can host 3 - 4 items of play equipment. To put this into context, the Lady Hope Playpark in Plaistow has 8 items of equipment. Given the size difference between the two play areas, 3 - 4 items of play equipment at the Kelsey Hall would be very worthwhile.

The following article answers many more questions 

Working in Partnership

On 13th October 2021, a representative of the KHMC attended the Parish Council's full meeting to discuss the project.

A play area at the Kelsey Hall was raised the hall's AGM and Committee meeting (04.10.2021). The proposal received comments both for and against, which were noted by the Committee. However, it was recognised that there is a strong demand for play equipment within Ifold and that Ifold families were not well represented at the AGM/Committee meeting. Nevertheless, the overall view was supportive.

Consequently, the KHMC gave their agreement in principle for a play area to be installed, subject to the following key conditions: -

• To avoid any impact to the carparking facilities (25 cars)

• To avoid any adverse impact on neighbouring properties

• To avoid any damage to existing trees

• Consideration regarding the entrance to the play area

The minutes of this meeting can be viewed here.

A Kelsey Hall representative was Co-opted onto the Council's Playpark Working Group, tasked to oversee project management.

Next steps 

The Parish Council made enquiries to ensure the area is, in fact, able to host play equipment. The following indicative design was created to demonstrate the area's capacity only - for example, it can only host 1 baby swing: -