Play plan rejected

Plans for a play centre on the Bellbrook Estate, for youngsters up to the age of 12, were lodged by husband and wife team John and Nicky Hopper.

However, the proposal was refused by district councillors, who felt that such a centre would be inappropriate on an industrial estate.

Uckfield councillor Martha Whittle said: 'There is a need and a desire for a place such as this in Uckfield. Nobody is denying that.

'However, there are safety and parking issues here. This particular site is somewhat unsuitable because of the large number of car movements.

Fellow Uckfield councillor Tony Parker seemed at first to back the proposal when he said: 'This is very welcome in Uckfield. The traffic issue could be applied to almost every non-residential road in Uckfield.

'It would be a crying shame if we refused this application as the residential stock of the town is likely to grow in the near future.

'Uckfield is not a dormitory town and we don't want it to become so.'

However, he went on to say that he could not back approval and supported Cllr Whittle's proposal for refusal.

A suggestion from Cllr Ray Parsons that temporary approval be granted for one year was rejected.

Cllr Whittle said: 'The question of whether we wait and see if a child is killed is extremely dangerous.'

Mr Hopper said: 'We're bitterly disappointed. We spent a year looking for that building and the council's regeneration team tell us there's nothing else suitable in the area.

'There's a desperate need in this area for another play activities facility for children. The nearest other place is in Tonbridge or Eastbourne.

'What if a child dies while travelling the 25 miles to Tonbridge? There's a real need and the committee don't seem to be flexible enough to recognise that.'

The couple said an appeal was unlikely and added that they were looking at alternative facilities in Plymouth.