Children’s holiday centre plans submitted to council

If approved, the proposals will restore and bring back into use a nine-bedroom property named Twisly and enable CCHF to offer activity breaks for primary school children aged 7-11 years from deprived areas, including parts of Sussex.

CCHF breaks will be held during school holidays and allow children to take part in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including experiencing the British countryside.

The charity says children on CCHF breaks will be supervised at all times by fully trained staff.

The plans, which were submitted on March 30, include the restoration of Twisly, which has been standing empty for the last four years.

CCHF says the proposed changes, including additional accommodation in Twisly itself and an annexe, will respect the Edwardian character of the property and secure the long-term future of the building.

The charity held two engagement events with the community in February and March and says the proposals have received a ‘good level of support’ from local people.

CCHF has offered to set up a community liaison group.

The charity says that the plans, if approved, will create jobs for local people and will see the use of local produce.

CCHF also intends to open Twisly to the community so the facilities can be used during term-time by community organisations, including Catsfield Primary School, with pupils able to use the on site swimming pool.

Lydia Davies, chief executive of CCHF, said: “We are grateful for the opportunity we have had to discuss the proposals with the local community over the last few months and have been encouraged by the positive response we have received.

“We have already made changes to the plans as a direct result of the feedback received and will continue to work with the local community through the liaison group.

“We would like to thank all those who have worked with us.

“The purchase of Twisly will not only enable us to help support some of the most disadvantaged young children but also allow us to be a part of the vibrant community in Catsfield.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for the area, for us and for the children we will be able to help.”

The plans will be discussed by Rother at a later date.