Latest plans published and Planning Application submitted

Plans showing the design proposals for Mount Noddy are now available to download from the Plans and Documents section of this page. They also form part of the planning application which has been submitted to Mid Sussex District Council – ref DM/24/0115.

The latest plans still reflect the themes that were important to people when the first round of consultation was completed.

The most significant development proposed at the recreation ground, which is a change since the last plans, is the Youth Zone. This facility now takes over the existing upper tennis courts. It aims to provide a modern facility for use by all but specifically aimed at young people who may otherwise feel they are not welcome in parks. The proposal includes a full-sized basketball court with large scale benches separating it from the rest of the space which is less formal. Tree planting softens the space whilst a large multi-person swing, hammocks and table tennis tables offer a variety of ways to hang out in the space. These were popular suggestions in the 2023 public consultation about the space.

The kick boards that used to be around the fence have already been removed to improve sight lines, a wider gap in the fence into the Youth Zone goes even further to make it is less intimidating to enter.

Elsewhere, to make sure visitors can make the most of the whole recreation ground, new paths provide better access to the southeast corner.

It is proposed that a pétanque court and improved external space by the existing pavilion make the centre of the park more of a hub for the community. There is improved outdoor space for the children’s nursery, and more level access to the bowls green.

New seating installed around the path network offers somewhere for park users to sit.

The intention is to improve the surfacing within the play area to make it more accessible, with some new picnic tables and swings making it easier for families to stay for longer.

Tree planting around the recreation ground is an investment for the future, to provide shade for hot days, home for wildlife as well as helping to remove carbon from the atmosphere.

The lower tennis courts have already been improved thanks to funding from the LTA.

If you would like to see the more detailed information included in the planning application, or comment on the planning application, please do so via the online public register - https://pa.midsussex.gov.uk/online-applications/ and enter reference number DM/24/0115.

If you have a general question about the project this can be submitted either using the Ask a Question option on the Hub or by sending an email to parksopenspaces@midsussex.gov.uk

To understand what happens next, please see the Project Lifecycle on this page. The plans have been checked by a professional Quantity Surveyor who has provided a cost estimate for the works which show the design is currently within budget. But it is important to note that these are estimates and that prices could rise when we get quotes from contractors which could mean changes will need to be made.