GODSHILL’S INCLUSIVE PLAY PARK PLANS SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL

Plans to build a £205,000 inclusive play park in Godshill have taken a step forward with the resubmission of a planning application to the Isle of Wight Council. It was in June 2021 that the local authority gave the green light for the Central Mead project to begin, stating that the development would provide an improved community asset which would upgrade and promote the existing outdoor space. However, by September 2022 funding issues put a stop to the much-anticipated project. It was back in May that Island Echo reported the plans had been reignited thanks to a significant but anonymous donation. Unfortunately, planning permission granted in 2021 expired last month, so a fresh application has now had to be submitted to the Isle of Wight Council. Under the plans, submitted by Godshill Parish Council, the scheme will be split into 2 phases. First, a new car park is to be created for visitors with new driveway access from the High Street. A footpath will also be formed across the grassed area to establish firm access to the new playground facilities, split into 3 areas. Phase 2 will see the demolition of the existing pavilion building with a brand new community centre built in its place which will boast changing rooms, showers, toilets and a store room. Under Phase 2 the car park would be completed, including a turning head. The equipment looks set to be supplied by Essex-based Sovereign Design Play Systems and could include a log swing, gravity glider zip wire, a play tractor, a balance beam and a timber tower, as well as a number of inclusive pieces of equipment such as a roundabout, wheelchair swing and activity panels – plus more. The equipment – which is expected to last around 20 years – could total almost £150,000, with a further £57,000 spent on protective flooring. It is thought that work could begin later this year, if the local authority grants planning permission once again. A decision should be made in September.