NEW UPDATES: Layer de la Haye Parish Council Projects
This page details the upcoming projects that Layer de la Haye Parish Council is working on. Others will be in the pipeline but there is only so much we can do at once so watch this space!
Updates shown in RED
Shaping Our Village: Plans for the Coming Year
Our priority is to protect the unique character of Layer de la Haye while ensuring our community facilities are fit for the future. Over the next 12 months, we are focusing on key projects specifically funded by developer contributions (S106) and local income. We welcome your feedback and suggestions on each initiative.
- Play Park Transformation & Upgrades
- The Reason & Status: Our play equipment is aging. Using dedicated Section 106 developer funding, we are modernising the space with a 1-year delivery timeline. We have explicitly asked bidding companies to include equipment for younger children, inclusive structures for all abilities, and multigenerational fitness/play areas for teenagers and adults. The tender process has been completed and we are in the legally required stand still period. Once this has concluded and any queries dealt with, negotiations will start with the chosen supplier regarding the final item list and the installation plan. We also plan to have an engagement event where local residents and stakeholders can see the plans in advance of installation. Plans will be announced as soon as possible.
- Protection and Promotion of Malting Green – Following significant resident feedback both in writing and verbally, the plan to put posts round Malting Green has been shelved.
- Queen Elizabeth Hall Sustainability Upgrades
- The Reason & Status: To reduce the hall’s carbon footprint and shield it from rising energy costs, we are upgrading the flat roof insulation and installing solar panels. Engineering assessments are being finalised, and installation quotes are being gathered. We are awaiting planning permission (certificate of lawful development) – as soon as we receive this we will finalise quotes and apply for the section 106 funding from Colchester City Council.
- Malting Green Pond Restoration & Village Amenities
- The Reason & Status: To restore water quality and protect wildlife habitats, plans are being drawn up to clear silt and invasive vegetation safely and secure the banks. We welcome local volunteer groups for future conservation days. Separately, the Council is planning to install a few more dog bins across the village. The Parish Council has received the section 106 funding for this, however, the funding arrived so late that we missed our slot with the specialist contractor. We are now negotiating a new slot for this work to happen. Further details will be published when available.
- Multi Sports Courts Surface Renewal
- The Reason & Status: To keep our sports facilities safe and high-quality for all ages, a comprehensive surface renewal is being progressed utilising allocated Section 106 funding. Structural assessments are currently underway.
How to Have Your Say
Please email comments, ideas, or feedback to the Parish Clerk at parish.clerk@layerdelahayeparishcouncil.gov.uk, or attend our next monthly meeting at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Please Note: Comments on any of the village Facebook pages cannot be responded to by councillors. To ensure your views are officially received and considered, please use the direct email or attend the meeting.