Latest plans published and Planning Application submitted

Plans showing the design proposals for Victoria Park 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/24/0113.

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

The current phase of funding is for improvements to the access from South Road and refurbishment of the playspace.

Since the last plans, the scale of works along South Road has had to be reduced due to inflation pushing the plans out of budget.

The proposals are to widen the park entrance, making it more welcoming. The existing steep slope is regraded to make access easier for all. New, wider steps lead you down towards the improved playspace.

The play area has been designed to make the most of the slope it is on. A new path running through allows everyone to access the bespoke timber play deck from the top of the slope. The wide deck is designed to be wheelchair accessible, so that children with limited mobility can play together with their able-bodied friends who may choose one of the more challenging ways up from the lower slopes.

Overlooking the splash pad, where the metal climbing frame and swings are now, a new hexagonal swing provides thrill and excitement as six people can swing into the centre towards each other at the same time.

Next to the splash pad, picnic tables and other seating make it more comfortable for families to stay for longer. A selection of other play equipment including a play hut and slide for toddlers makes the most of the lower slope. A wheelchair accessible roundabout continues to allow all children to play together.

Tree planting within the play area 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.

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/24/0113.

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.