VIDEO: Pavilions’ plans for ‘high ropes course’ in Horsham Park - What do you think?

The application submitted to Horsham District Council in early March, seeks permission to build a ‘network of aerial walkways consisting of 30 obstacles, zip slides, a Powerfan Descender and climbing tower’ in an area covering 1,345 square metres, part of which is outside the pool boundary into Horsham Park.

The plans have already attracted the objection of Denne Neighbourhood Council who say it will ‘intrude into a peaceful and much frequented area of the Park’.

The facility is proposed to be open from 10am to 10pm, which the Neighbourhood Council says may be ‘too intrusive for other park users’.

John Steele, representing the Horsham Society has said member there object to the applications as well. He said in his letter to the council: “When the Pavilions in the Park was built assurances were given that there would be no further encroachment on the Park and that it would be screened by trees, two of which it is now proposed should be removed.

“If the district needs such a facility it would be far more appropriate for it to be located at the new Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre.”

DC Leisure’s Design and Access Statement says it has been designed to be suitable for all ages from the age of five and all abilities and would have a capacity for an average of 50 participants an hour.

The company says that this area is underused within the leisure centre site and people not engaged with the activities would still be able to walk along the existing public footpath and the high ropes course will span over the path.

What do you think of the plans? Would it be intrusive or an ideal example of alternative activities at the Pavilions? Leave your comments below.

The plans can be viewed in full at http://public-access.horsham.gov.uk/public-access/ by entering planning application number DC/13/0374.