Statement - New playpark on Tayne Field

Published: 05 January 2023

The Parish Council is aware that concerns have been expressed by some residents about the absence of a perimeter fence to the whole playpark that has just been installed on Tayne Field. As this is causing disquiet for some, this note is intended to explain why the playpark was designed the way it is.

Firstly, it is important to understand that there is no legal requirement that a children’s playpark is fully fenced. It is recommended that gates and fencing are provided to address identified risks. Fencing has therefore been provided on the north, south and west sides to address the specific risk posed by the proximity of Church Road. It is considered that no significant risk is created by allowing access directly from or to Tayne Field to the east, in the opposite direction from the road.

The plan for a new playpark was developed in the first instance by the community group Lyminge Youth Action, who put forward to the Parish Council the proposal that the playpark should be both replaced, as it was reaching the end of its useful life, and at the same time expanded to accommodate a greater age range than the park it would replace. The Parish Council embraced this plan as it came from a community group with good credentials and was well thought out. The design was created in consultation with the selected contractor, Kompan UK Ltd, who have 50 years of experience working in the sector building playparks worldwide. The new playpark therefore leverages substantial expertise. It has been subject to a health and safety inspection prior to hand-over. The design was subject to planning permission and the plans have been freely available to view on the Folkestone and Hythe District Council Planning Portal since 2019 when the application for planning permission was filed.

The open layout is intended to encourage children to explore the range of equipment on offer. Placing the equipment specifically designed for smaller children within a secure perimeter would deter exploration, and would detract from the play experience. Free access allows children to use equipment according to their ability rather than calendar age. It is also the case that keeping the playpark open to the field makes the whole area more accessible and inclusive, allowing, for example, easier access for parents and carers with double buggies or wheelchairs as they do not then have to negotiate a gate.

It is worth highlighting that the play areas on Well Field and Jubilee Field have never had secure perimeter fencing. This has not been a problem up to now. The Parish Council provides play equipment that is safe to use. It is the responsibility of those caring for children to supervise them, ensuring they play in a safe way and do not wander off.

Equally, experience shows that there is no practical problem created by dog fouling, as dog owners in Lyminge behave responsibly. There is no reason to expect dog fouling to become a problem on Tayne Field, so there is no perceived benefit from fencing against it. 

Thank you, Sarah Harrison - Clerk