Week four: the putting green

THIS final exchange between councillor and constituent traces the development of plans for the putting green lawn beside the Pavilion.

Residents reacted strongly to the concrete boulevard last year - this week we learn how this original idea evolved, and what we are likely to see on our seafront later this year.

To join the debate on-line, visit www.bexhillobserver.net and add your comments to Mr Storkey and Cllr Starnes' views.

The Protestor's View - Ron Storkey

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SOS was initially set up five years ago to campaign against proposals to build a number of seven-storey buildings south of Marina, including two on the Metropole Green (previously known as the Putting Green Lawn).

Eventually the proposals were withdrawn and Rother District Council (RDC) confirmed that the green was Public Trust land.

SOS believes that the majority of Bexhill residents support the preservation of that status in perpetuity.

The most recent threat of development on the green came from the Next Wave plan.

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The proposal was to construct, across this much-loved green area, a 20-metre wide boulevard from Marina to the promenade, covering more than a third of the grass with concrete. SOS strongly objected to this proposal and we are pleased that it has now been discarded.

The green will therefore remain a grassed area although it will be landscaped in a different way. It will now be terraced and also enlarged to include the area known as the religious garden. Low walls on which there will be fixed timber seats with arms and low backs will retain the grass terraces, which will descend from Marina down to the promenade. Access to the terraces, which will vary in size, will be by a series of steps.

The excavation behind the Colonnade to provide more space for both the Bexhill Rowing Club and the proposed 'destination' restaurant will displace large quantities of earth. This will be used to create a large flat grassed area in the central part of the green.

This central area is expected to continue to be used mainly for the informal enjoyment of families and the general public. It will however also incorporate concealed under-surface locking sockets to enable the easy erection of barriers, enclosures, parasols, sports equipment etc.

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These will allow the area to accommodate occasional small exhibitions and entertainment etc, as well as providing a readily available venue for other outdoor community activities.

SOS has requested this new landscape continue to include a safety barrier along the boundary with West Parade to prevent young children from running into this busy road when playing on the green. We have been assured this will be included - probably a low white wall to complement the De La Warr Pavilion.

Lighting will be installed to improve evening accessibility and new pathways from Marina and West Parade will give additional access to this public green space.

We accept these paths should be wide enough to allow riders on disability scooters to pass each other, but we are concerned their width should not extend beyond this requirement and become mini "boulevards". For the safety of users of all ages, prohibition of cycling, skating and skateboarding in this area should be signposted and enforced.

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Many residents and visitors will be unhappy with one further change that has been announced. The putting green and the crazy golf are to be removed. There is a suggestion that they may be re-located to Egerton Park but it is doubtful whether they would be viable there as a paid-for attraction.

In a previous article I briefly set out SOS's reasons for objecting to the excavation through the wings of the Colonnade to form seven kiosks (objections in full on RDC's planning website).

Unfortunately RDC didn't seek to justify this development in their response. I hope that RDC will do so this week so that local residents may read both sides of the argument. English Heritage did not refuse Listed Building Consent for this speculative development, but that doesn't make it either visually desirable or financially viable.

The Council's Reply - Cllr Christopher Starnes

Again we are happy to respond to Mr Storkey's comments and further clarify elements of the Next Wave scheme. In this case, it appears Mr Storkey is broadly in support of our plans. The final design was achieved by taking on the advice of our experts and listening to public comments and we are confident it will provide a great facility for seafront users.

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Mr Storkey is quite right in saying the open, green space will remain. In fact its size will be increased, effectively making a community park area which people will use in the way that best suits them, be it sitting, picnicking or playing sports.

He is also correct in saying that the terraced space will make it easier to host small events and the intention is that the lawns can be used by a variety of community groups. However its primary purpose will be as an open, green space the public can enjoy.

The landscaping will also allow us to install more seating '“ something that residents requested during our survey work. They will be made of timber and see the number of available seats on the seafront grow significantly.

There will be no boulevard, an idea that was dropped at the early concept stage.

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However there will better access for members of the public who will now be able to cross the lawns with strategically placed pathways. They will, of course, be wide enough for mobility scooters, but not so wide as to detract from the lawned area.

By opening up the lawns to the community and providing better access we are, in effect, providing a new facility that can be used by families at no cost. Currently the lawns are unusable during winter due to poor access and a lack of seating, and can only be enjoyed in summer by those people willing to pay for putting.

The putting green is little used in business terms. However we recognise the putting facility is enjoyed by some residents and we will take on board their opinions on whether Bexhill should retain this type of facility elsewhere.

I am confident having chosen the right architects and consulting with members of the public, we have created a scheme that will provide a far more attractive offer for residents and visitors and make the most of the seafront.

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Returning to the subject of the Colonnade kiosks, we have previously said that we wish the Colonnade development to provide increased opportunities for business and provide a better offer for visitors. The kiosks will go towards helping to achieve this aim.

For more information on the scheme visit www.next-wave.org.uk

You've heard the arguments - what are your views? Leave your thoughts below.

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