What you told us and What We’re Doing

Reflections from the Pop-Up Surgery – Sunday 31st August 2025

Thank you to everyone who came along to our pop-up surgery last Sunday. We had some really valuable conversations and we’re grateful to all who took the time to share their views. Here’s a summary of what you told us, and how we’re responding:

🗣️ “We’d have preferred the existing Village Hall site, but we understand why it isn’t possible.”

What we’re doing:
At the public meeting on July 22nd, the Parish Council explained that the current hall site was fully reviewed but rejected after consultation and cost analysis. Key reasons include:

Limited on-site parking and poor access for those with mobility challenges.
Narrow approach roads with no continuous pavement, creating safety risks.
Lack of funder support: major funders require safe pedestrian access, adequate parking, and compliance with accessibility rules.

Upgrading the existing site would require purchasing more land and major highway improvements . In contrast, the playing field offers the space, access, and ownership needed for a modern, fundable facility.

🗣️ “It’s water under the bridge now – let’s get going! How will funding work?”

What we’re doing:
We’re glad to hear the enthusiasm for moving forward. The funding will be based on the following, IF the parish votes in favour:

A PWLB loan of up to £250,000, activated only once all other capital funds are secured.
Significant reclaimable VAT on Phase 1 (worth up to £440,000).
External funding from Wealden District Council and major grant bodies, unlocked by community support. The HDCC funding breakdown can be veiwed on pages 20-25 of the Parish Council presentation here

The hall will be delivered in phases:

Phase 1: New village hall £2.3 million ex.vat
Phase 2: Sports pavilion. £900,000 ex.vat

The existing hall will remain in use until the new one is ready.

🗣️ “We miss having a village hub – like the shop used to be. We’d love a proper community space.”

What we’re doing:
The new centre is designed to become a true village hub – a place for clubs, classes, events, and everyday social connection. While we cannot operate a shop under planning rules, a community café is included in the plans to provide a welcoming space for residents. We will of course share your feedback regarding the shop with the Parish Council. We will increase publicity for our seasonal “market” events to ensure residents are aware of them.

🗣️ “We support the plan – but we must show commitment locally to unlock outside funding.”

What we’re doing:
We agree. The support of parishioners is vital. The Parish Poll next Tuesday 9th September (3–9pm at the Village Hall) is your chance to demonstrate that commitment. A “yes” result will help secure significant external funding.

🗣️ “We’ve heard negative messages and weren’t sure. After talking, we feel much clearer.”

What we’re doing:
We know there’s been conflicting information circulating. That’s why we’re continuing to run pop-up surgeries, post updates, and signpost to our Business Plan and supporting documents. If you haven’t read them yet, please do – they explain the research, costings, and comparisons with other villages that informed our decisions.

🔗 [Direct link to Business Plan]

🗣️ “Why aren’t you fixing potholes, transport and other basics first?”

What we’re doing:
These issues matter, but they fall outside the remit of the HDCC, which is a charity focused on building a new community centre. That said, we will pass on concerns about potholes and transport to County Councillor Bob Standley and District Councillor Michael Lunn.

We also explained:

The project will not increase traffic beyond what was assessed in the Transport Statement (available on our documents page).
Our vision is for a facility that supports a more cohesive community – which in turn makes the village stronger and more attractive.

🗣️ “We need reassurance on key points.”

What we’re doing:

✅ The existing hall stays open until the new one is ready.
✅ Construction only starts once all funds are in place.
✅ PWLB loan activated only once necessary.
✅ Advisory Group meets monthly to provide scrutiny.

🗣️ “We couldn’t find the Business Plan easily.”

What we’re doing:
We’re adding a direct link on our Facebook page to the Business Plan and making key documents more visible.

We’ll also highlight:

The Council Tax impact chart from the PC presentation to be reposted, see below
Our research into other halls, which many found reassuring once shared.
The fact that the new hall will serve not just Hadlow Down, but surrounding parishes too.

💬 Final Thoughts

The message we took away from Sunday is clear: people want progress, transparency, and a facility that will bring life back to the heart of our community. Your feedback helps us keep improving how we share information, and we remain committed to answering every question openly.