New Ash Green > Local News > 2024

Year: 2024

Olivers Mill – Chapel Wood Play Area

The equipment and safety surface in the Village Association’s play area between Olivers Mill and Chapel Wood have now reached the end of their operational life. Recent inspections have highlighted that corrosion to the structures means they are in need of replacement.

As extensive repairs were carried out in 2023 on other parks across the village, we have taken the decision to close this area temporarily and remove all equipment to make it safe.  This work will be carried out next week, starting on Monday 9 December.

We want to stress that this is only a temporary closure, and we are actively seeking sources of funding so this area can be fully refitted with new safety surfacing and new equipment.

The VA is consulting with play area professionals to offer guidance and design ideas, however if residents have any thoughts or ideas for equipment or accessories, we welcome your input and invite you to contact us to share your ideas.  Please use the Hardlands & Paths contact form on the VA customer portal.

We will, of course, consult with local residents and the wider community on any proposals before proceeding.

Meanwhile, other play areas are available around the village, including those between Caling Croft and Northfield and between Chapel Wood and Ayelands.

Rogue Traders

Dear Residents,

We have had a recent spate of rogue trader reports targeting the elderly. They will report a visible fault on the property and commence work with the cost rapidly escalating.

If such trade persons come to your door do not entertain any work being completed by them. Obtain any details it is safe to do so such as company name on leaflets or on the van try and get the vehicle details and report to the Police on 101 or 999 if they refuse to leave.

Only use tradespersons you have called. Use the below link for Trading Standards Checked safe traders if using a trades person you do not know.

Trading Standards Checked

New Ash Green Solar Farm Proposal

You are probably aware that a planning application for a solar farm in Ridley, next to New Ash Green, is to be sent later this year by Evolution Power Limited to Sevenoaks District Council. Many residents attended the exhibition in September and will have commented direct to the company.

The intended site for the solar farm is on the eastern side of Hartley Bottom Road, opposite Redhill Wood, then south to Berry’s Maple and extending eastwards onto the top of the hills towards Ridley. A cable to connect the site to the National Grid would run through New Ash Green along Redhill Road to West Yoke and a switching station in a field behind Eaglesfield Equestrian Centre. More details are on the company’s website at www.newashgreensolar.co.uk

New Ash Green Village Association intends to meet Evolution Power to find out exactly how the solar farm will affect New Ash Green residents and what benefits it might bring to the village. The VA is aware that people hold a range of views about solar power in general and this proposal in particular. It is important to find out how many residents support the current plans for the Evolution Power project or do not want to see it implemented at any cost. We realise that, in principle, the Government is in favour of solar power projects, even in the Green Belt, so we also need to know how the VA should aim to negotiate community benefits for the 40-year life of the solar farm if planning permission is granted.

A survey has been prepared and is available online at https://tinyurl.com/ztn6hxj5 Please  complete the questionnaire as soon as possible, and ideally by the 13th October.