Revised plans to improve Wollaston Recreation Ground, funded by the sale of land to Aldi, have been published after proposals for outdoor gym equipment were withdrawn. The updated proposals include additional benches, new goalposts for 11-a-side football, play equipment for under-fives, and footpath improvements.
Funding from Aldi land sale
The improvements are funded by S106 money from the sale of The Dell Open Space to the discount supermarket. The original plans, which included static outdoor gym equipment, were scrapped following concerns raised by local residents during a public meeting and further discussions with the council.
The revised plans are now on display at Wollaston Village Hall for public viewing and comment. Local campaigners had argued that the funding should be used for improvements that benefit the wider community.
Cllr Tromans responds
Cllr Andrew Tromans, who opposed the sale of The Dell, said: "I opposed the sale of The Dell, and I know many local residents remain deeply unhappy about what happened. We fought the planning application and succeeded at Council level, but Aldi ultimately won on appeal."
He added: "We now have to deal with the reality of the agreement and the restrictions placed on this money. I have managed to persuade the Council to show some flexibility and move away from its original plan for static gym equipment."
Residents encouraged to view plans
The revised proposals include "things that people can actually use and benefit from," according to Tromans, who acknowledged the situation is "not ideal." He said: "I don't want to pretend otherwise. But I believe we should do everything we can to secure meaningful improvements for Wollaston Rec rather than risk the money sitting unused or potentially being spent elsewhere, subject to the terms of the agreement."
Tromans encouraged residents to view the plans and have their say, stating: "We need to make sure the available funding delivers the best possible outcome for our community." The original planning application by Aldi was rejected at Council level, but the supermarket later secured permission on appeal.
