Have Your Say…
Should the Pound Leas Project Include a 3G Pitch?
Hamstreet has grown—and so has the need for more accessible, inclusive facilities for all ages and interests. We’ve been listening to your ideas, and together we’re working to create an expanded and improved space for the whole community to enjoy.
In January 2025, Orlestone Parish Council completed the purchase of land, and the Pound Leas Project began – a phased, long-term programme of enhancements that is being shaped by residents through public engagement sessions and delivered by residents through a cross-community Action Group.
In February this year, the community came together, and gave their ideas. This formed a wishlist from across every part of the community. The Action Group have met regularly since to review the list for deliverability, including exploring with design experts what could possibly work as a holistic, integrated site, that gives all of Hamstreet & District somewhere they can enjoy for leisure and sport.
What’s in the Vision?
The proposed master plan (attached) includes:
● An outdoor gym area
● A small children’s play area
● A walking and running track of around 800 metres
● Secure dog walking space
● Pump track and skateboard area
● Paddle tennis court
● New hard surfaced informal multi-use basketball games ‘caged’ area
● Additional grass football pitches (with the flexibility to accommodate cricket or other grass sports) to provide 2 per playing format for youth football from ages 6 to 13.
● Community allotments
● Expansion of parking facilities
And the option of a 3G all-weather pitch (if not a 3G pitch this space will form another Adult full sized Grass pitch)
These new facilities listed include everything from the community’s initial ideas, except the few items which are not deliverable at the site for practical reasons. Together with what we have today, these new facilities are designed to create a welcoming, active, and sustainable space for everyone in the community and surrounding area.
The Design Process
The Action Group has worked hard to bring together ideas to create a concept design layout (link or image below) that reflects as many priorities as possible. But as the project moves into funding and planning stages, it will remain flexible and may evolve based on resources, permissions, and further consultation.
Cost
The current estimated total cost of delivering the full Pound Leas Project is around £3 million,subject to surveys, etc. This funding will be secured through a combination of:
● Grant applications / Partner Funding
● Existing Section 106 (s106) allocations
● Local fundraising and community-led initiatives
We are committed to ensuring that the project remains financially sustainable beyond the initial construction phases.
Why Are We Asking About a 3G Pitch?
We’re now at a key point in the project. Before we move forward with funding applications and planning permission, we need to know whether the community supports including a 3G artificial grass pitch.
A 3G pitch is one part of the wider plan – but it could play an important role in helping the project move forward more quickly and sustainably. With the ongoing challenges of ground conditions over winter at Pound Leas Recreational Ground, the option of a 3G would allow a significant improvement in the quality of football facilities, for adults but particularly children.
Benefits of a 3G Pitch:
Allows football and some other sports to take place all year, regardless of weather (except snow!)
● Potentially provides an income stream to also support other facilities on site
● Helps address a recognised shortage of 3G pitches locally
● Could unlock national funding (e.g. Football Foundation)
● Releases the existing MUGA to be used for other sports
● May reduce the overall project timeline to 2–3 years, compared to 7–10 years without it
What Are the Concerns—and How Are We Responding?
Noise from use addressed by positioning of the 3G pitch at the far end of the site, acoustic fencing and other treatments, together with clear controlled operating hours and conditions
● Lighting impact addressed by modern, ‘low-spill’, sports-grade LED lighting and time restrictions.
● Traffic and access addressed by designated parking with access at the far end of the site to reduce traffic through the village.
● Environmental impact addressed by tree planting and biodiversity zones as part of the site-wide design
● Site balance- The 3G pitch is just one element of a wider, multi-use site open to all
● Future flexibility– If the 3G pitch is not supported, grass pitches remain an option—though overall project funding and delivery is likely to take longer
What Happens Next?
This is a community-led project, and your feedback will directly shape the next steps.
● The Action Group will review all responses after the Saturday 12th July deadline.
● If there is support for the 3G pitch, we will move forward with detailed design, funding applications, and planning permission.
● All outcomes will be shared publicly, and there will be further opportunities to stay involved.
We Want to Hear From You
Please return your completed feedback form by Saturday 12th July.
Alternatively please collect a form from the Pavillion and post to 19 Lancaster Close, Hamstreet.
This is your community. Your space. Your voice.
Let’s decide together