Community facilities at Mariners View

18 June 2010

The final stage of work at the Mariners View development in Whitstable, which includes a multi-sport play area, junior football pitch and playground, is underway.

Abbey Homes, the developer of the site, was required to provide the facilities for local residents as part of its planning permission for houses. Once complete, the company will have met its legal requirements.

The project also includes providing an enhanced area for reptiles on the site. It is hoped everything will be completed by autumn this year, and there will be an agreed maintenance schedule up to autumn 2011 for the football pitch until the grass is established. The land will then be legally transferred to the city council.

Executive member for the environment, Cllr Rosemary Doyle, said: “The council has been working with Abbey to finalise the programme of work. Some residents may not have known that it was about to start, and we apologise if this was the case.

“When finished, we hope local people will enjoy using these new facilities. In addition, a significant amount of semi-natural open space will remain, and we are keen to work with residents to further enhance the area.”

Anybody who would like to get involved with how this space is managed in the future to benefit wildlife, should contact Rosemary Selling at the council on 01227 862577 or email rosemary.selling@canterbury.gov.uk.

Abbey is following national guidance for the work and is employing a local ecologist to ensure legislation relating to protected species is not breached. For queries about the project, contact Abbey Homes on 01707 651266.