Ideas for Harlands playing field

Ideas for developing sports and leisure facilities at Harlands Farm Playing Field, Uckfield, are to be discussed by town councillors tonight (Monday, 7).

A report to the environment and leisure committee says the field is currently an informal open space, a pedestrian link between Mallard Drive and Selby Gardens and on to Framfield Road and a football pitch.

Possibilities for the future include building a pavilion – which could be used by sports groups and as a youth venue - and parking area.

Cllr Alan Whittaker who wrote the report said a youth shelter and small play area for very young children could be accommodated in the field.

He suggests enhancing the pedestrian route from Mallards Drive and Harlands Primary School to Framfield Road and the hospital to encourage greater use.

And he said a better environment for both informal recreation and bio-diversity could be provided by planting indigenous trees, shrubs and flowers along the eastern and northern boundaries of the site to form a leafy avenue.

“Seating among the trees along the northern boundary will provide the opportunity simply to stop and stare or to watch the football and other matches,” says the report.

Another idea is to encourage a feeling of community by removing a fence separating Harlands field from Mallard Drive and establishing a garden following the curve of the road.

The primary school could be invited to design and maintain one of the flower beds or, if preferred, a vegetable bed.

The report goes on to say tall trees could eventually form a protective barrier at the northern boundary of the garden. The point is made that this would help protect the public from flying golf balls, because people practise golf on the field, but until then a tall sturdy mesh fence could be put up on the northern side.