Copthorne Rec Public Consultation

Published: 15 September 2025

Worth Parish Council is intending to apply for a Public Works Loan of up to £150,000 towards the Copthorne Recreation Ground Rejuvenation Project.

The Multi Use Games Area proposed for the northeastern area of the grounds is already fully funded by Section 106 developer contributions. We have also been successful in obtaining £4,976 from Mid Sussex District Council's Community Grant Fund for specified pieces of play equipment and the Council has agreed some Ear Marked Reserves to be set aside for the project. Since then, we have submitted two further S106 Applications for those aspects of the project we could argue to be essential for formal sports (such as elements of the project management costs, drainage and carpark and for those pieces of play equipment we could argue to be needed for formal sports). However, the S106 legal agreements in place for this area do NOT currently allow the money to be used for play space or other infrastructure needed such as benches, bins, cycle racks, new trees and more. This means we need a further £150,000 to fund the project.

Whilst we are intending to approach local businesses for donations towards these things, the Parish Council would now like to apply for a Public Works Loan of up to £150,000 (or less depending on any donations received) over the borrowing term of 10 years to part fund the project. The loan will require a small increase in the precept to ensure repayment can be made. This would represent an annual cost to the average Band D household of £3.49, although any donations received will enable us to minimize any increase. Together with the two S106 applications, this loan will ensure the project can proceed and we can provide the community with the playground they really need. For the full details please see the Projects page on our website.

We are now asking for your feedback and support to help us demonstrate community backing when we submit our Public Works Loan application.

Please take the time to click here and complete this very short survey.

When you submit this form, it will NOT automatically collect your details like name and email address unless you provide it yourself. The closing date for the survey is Sunday September 28th.