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When new development takes place in Uplyme, the Local Planning Authority, East Devon District Council, has the opportunity to secure funds for the improvement of local community facilities. These are secured by agreement with developers under Section 106 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990; hence the name of the fund.

The District Council has advised that one of the aspects that can be funded are facilities linked to sport and play.

The King George V Playing Fields are owned by the National Playing Fields Association but was gifted “in perpetuity for benefit of the inhabitants of Uplyme”. The area is managed and funded locally, with this being overseen by local trustees.

The funds needed to maintain and improve the playing fields, grounds and associated facilities have in the past been provided by the fees charged for the use of the tennis court.

As many local people will be aware, the surface of the tennis court has become broken up (partly due to flooding in both 2013 & 2014), and to such a degree that they can no longer be used properly. The fees for its use are therefore no longer forthcoming, which is causing a problem for the management and maintenance of the whole playing field area, although a flood relief channel has been provided, which should reduce the likelihood of future flooding.

As a result it is now proposed that some of the Section 106 Agreement money be claimed from East Devon District Council (which holds the funds) and used to repair the tennis court surface and provide new fencing. This is estimated to cost around £30,000.

The District Council has advised that this proposal should be advertised locally and therefore this notice is being placed on the noticeboard, around the village and on the Parish Council’s website and Facebook page.

If anyone has any comments on this proposal then please respond to the Parish Clerk on clerk@uplymeparishcouncil.org or telephone 01297 444707 by Monday 15th February 2016.