Marlesford 2011 Census Population: 233

Description A rural parish, located within the Blyth Area, containing the very attractive settlement of , together with clusters of cottages, including those along the A12 at Marlesford Bridge, and outlying farmsteads. The settlement is accorded Village status in the adopted Local Plan where infilling or group development may be acceptable. Virtually all of the Village and surrounding water meadows are within a Conservation Area. Much of the Parish lies within the Alde River Valley Special Landscape Area.

Existing Level of Provision (Hectares) Children’s Play Space Local Playing Pitches and Other Sports Grounds Area Area A Marlesford Community Centre 0.04 - District Sports Grounds - Countryside/Amenity Space

Comparison of land area against District Council standards Local Plan Local District Current Requirement Provision Provision Adequacy

Play Area 0.16ha 0.04ha - -0.12ha Sports Ground 0.40ha 0.00ha 0.16ha -0.24ha

Assessment of Play Areas There is a small, informal, children’s play space at Marlesford Community Centre, centrally located with easy access for all parts of the Village. The area is part grass, part tarmac. It would be beneficial if part of this area could be equipped, preferably to LEAP standard. Whilst there is an actual shortfall in the land standard it is felt, locally, to be sufficient to meet current demands.

Deficiencies: Standard, Quality. Improvements proposed: The provision of an equipped play area, to LEAP standard, utilising the land at Marlesford Community Centre.

Assessment of Sports Grounds The Parish has a bowls green although, regrettably, this no longer appears to be used for formal sports provision. The District Council considers that the cumulative needs of Marlesford, together with those in the adjoining parishes of , , Farnham, , and Great Glemham are not currently met. An outdoor sports facility, provided to meet the needs of this area, would be beneficial. This provision could either be in a single location or dispersed throughout the area, meeting different cumulative requirements, although it would be beneficial if locations were chosen nearer to the larger villages within the area.

Deficiencies: Land, Standard, Quality Improvements proposed: Provision of new playing pitches with associated facilities in either Farnham, Great Glemham, Hacheston, Little Glemham, Marlesford or Stratford St Andrew parish.

Contribution Scales For Play Space For Sports Grounds Upper Upper

Note: Comments received by Parish Council for 2012 update.

Adopted April 2001 Version 12 (Dec 2012)