Coal Yard Project Now Complete
HPC are pleased to announce the successful completion of their ambitious plan to provide 9 units of affordable housing, a new meeting room and office for the Parish Council, two one-bedroom flats and parking for the users of the Forest Way, Playschool and Parish Office.
The original site, at the old coal yard, was bought six years. Having gained planning permission for the housing development, half the site was sold on to Town and Country Housing Group who built the houses. This development includes two and three bedroom houses which were occupied by nine families in October. The old goods shed, on the remaining land, was then converted to accommodate two one-bedroom flats upstairs and the Parish rooms downstairs. The rent from the flats will fund the cost of running the new Parish rooms and supplement other projects planned by the Parish Council. The parking area is already in constant use by visitor to the Playschool and those who wish to walk or cycle the Forest Way.
The official opening is planned for Monday 23 January and Lord Lytton, President of the National Association of Local Councils and President of the Sussex Association of Local Councils, will cut the ribbon. This is followed on Tuesday 24 January by an Open Day, 1.00 pm to 8.00 pm, to give all members of the public a chance to view the completed project.
For many years the Parish Council has met in the Village Hall with a small committee room above. It is with a tinge of sadness that this venue, with its views over the playing fields and beyond, will no longer be used but the Council has outgrown the accommodation and needs to provide more accessible premises for all members of the public.
All those involved in this venture agree it was an extremely ambitious project for a small Parish Council to take on. It is thanks to the foresight of the Council of six years ago, and all those who have shared responsibility since, that the Parish Council can now feel an enormous sense of achievement. The Parish Office will be open to the public for help and advice on Monday mornings, 9.15 am. – 11.15 am. It is hoped this service will be well received and extended opening will follow in the spring.
All Parishioners are welcome to attend Parish Council meetings and Committee meetings in the new accommodation. Meetings are advertised on the website / and on the village notice boards.
Chairman Hartfield Parish Council Jo Edwarde December 2011