COMMUNITY leaders have today been given assurances that new play and sports facilities for a growing housing development will go ahead.

COMMUNITY leaders have today been given assurances that new play and sports facilities for a growing housing development will go ahead.

There had been concern the pitches and pavilion at the old air base site in Rendlesham were not being built as fast as the hundreds of houses and that developers had breached planning and legal agreements.

Now a top-level meeting has been held and a timetable agreed, with Suffolk Coastal District Council planners keeping a close eye on the situation.

Head of planning services Philip Ridley said the council was dealing with Persimmon Homes, which is building the development, but it was not the company's fault sports and play facilities were behind schedule.

He said: “Persimmon Homes were not a party to the original legal agreement and have in effect inherited a substantial delay from two other parties that they are now seeking to rectify.

“They have put in place a firm build programme and through the installation of the pathways, landscaping and pitch maintenance have shown a commitment to bring matters to a satisfactory conclusion.

“Subject to the current project plan and build programme being adhered to officers are satisfied this matter is progressing satisfactorily and no action is required from the council at this stage.

“Progress is being monitored on a regular basis and the parish council are being kept informed of progress to ensure the handover of the facilities is a smooth process and the facilities are fit for purpose and suitable to serve the local community's needs.”

Redevelopment of site with new homes will include 8.6acres of sports and play areas, including a sports pavilion, all-weather play surface, children's play area, senior and junior football pitches, conservation area, footpaths and landscaping, and car parking.

A report to the council on February 28 said the facilities were now on course for completion by the autumn.

Work on the football pitches is progressing and they should be ready for the 2007-08 season and the pavilion ready by October.

The play area should be ready by the end of April, and work starts on the all-weather pitch in August with completion by the end of September.

Paths are waiting top surfacing while landscaping has been planted between the housing and sports pitches.

Are you happy with how the work is progressing? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk