A play area in Earls Colne has been revamped and is now open for families to enjoy in time for summer.
The upgraded play area, based at Earls Colne Recreation Club, was funded through over £60,000 of Section 106 funding – money the council receives from developers for local community and social infrastructure – and includes a new inclusive roundabout, swings, seesaw, spring horse and slide, as well as new safety fencing and tree works. The Section 106 funding were contributions from three developments in the village undertaken by Crest Nicholson, Bellway Homes and Oakland Country Homes Ltd.
Guided by feedback from local residents, Earls Colne Parish Council led the redesign of the village play area to create an attractive, inclusive space that complements existing facilities and caters to all ages.
Councillor Gabrielle Spray, Cabinet Member for Planning at Braintree District Council, said: “We’re pleased to play our part to facilitate these refurbishments to the play area by securing funding from developers as part of the planning process. We’d like to thank the parish council for their support and hard work with getting this project off the ground – we know just how much residents value improvements to their local areas, and we continue to push for as much Section 106 contributions as we can for new and improved infrastructure and community facilities to benefit our communities.”
Denise Ellison, Parish Clerk at Earls Colne Parish Council, said: “The Council are delighted that funds dedicated to the village have been utilised successfully. The completion of the project brings together the partnership with Earls Colne Recreation Club and benefits to the families of the village.”
A joint statement from Councillor Gabrielle Spray and Councillor George Courtauld, ward members for The Colnes, said: “This newly refurbished play area represents a significant investment into the village that will provide young children an accessible, inclusive and safe space to exercise, play and socialise in. We’d encourage people to visit and experience the fantastic new facilities this summer."
In 2024/25, over £1.6m was spent by Braintree District Council from Section 106 contributions, either directly or by providing funding for projects led by town and parish councils, community groups or sports providers. Earls Colne Parish Council is working to use Section 106 funds to maintain and improve planters along the High Street.