Since the S106 funds were agreed in September 2017 and released in late 2019, the vision to build a community asset at The Heights has been repeatedly disrupted by Milton Parish Council (MPC) through
mismanagement, poor decision-making, and shifting directives—resulting in potential misuse of public funds currently recorded as £78.868.
As Chairperson of MUFC since July 2023, I have witnessed firsthand the same dysfunction that has plagued this project for years. The formation of Milton Community Sports & Leisure (MCSL) CLG—against
the majority favoured CIO model—which was then met with resistance from MPC throughout its term as the Project Management lead. Despite the dedication of MCSL Directors, MPC’s lack of commitment
stalled progress. For over 18 months, MPC failed to clarify VAT status, only to later declare the project non-exempt VAT, contradicting prior advice and delaying development further.
In December 2024, MPC unilaterally dissolved the CLG without recommended consultation, due to the nervousness around the funding structure—an act accepted by its directors as discourteous and unprofessional. Their 2025 proposals offered MUFC a single path to sustainability, despite nearly half the S106 funds being earmarked for the club. This in-turn forced MUFC to withdraw from the joint venture.
Ten months on, MPC continues to hamper and frustrate progress:
• Refusal to meet outside monthly meetings
• No dedicated project manager
• Ongoing payments to a non-accredited RIBA architect, which questions the scale of public money
being allocated to date
• A lack of evidence put forward by the Parish Clerk of any needs analysis/assessment, or any form of business plan for how their proposed building will achieve a sustainable income
• No formalised controlling body which hinders their request for S106 funding and any VAT exemption, which in-turn will affect demolition timelines and funding
• No lease agreement for the reduced MUFC building plot, blocking access to critical funding, regardless of countless approaches to hasten the request for over 7 months
• No delivery of the requested 2024 topographical survey
• No acceptance of the requested biodiversity inspection request
Enough is enough:
The District Council rightly opposes duplicative facilities, especially given existing venues in the Parish. At the last meeting, a member of the PC publicly questioned the legitimacy of the two-building plan, which
questions the full council’s alignment with their proposals. The Councillors objections were noted but have not been clearly recorded within the associated minutes.
MPC’s failure to recruit CIO trustees—despite claims of outreach—further reflects their lack of drive and engagement throughout the Parish. Their most recent decision to abandon the CIO model and pursue VAT-liable options will again delay progress and undermine prior decisions.
Despite continued design work, MPC has yet to request quotes from builders. Their sole engagement remains with a firm tied to OXA Design, ignoring MUFC’s countless offers to provide competitive alternatives.
Our Proposal:
• Grant MUFC CLG a lease for ALL designated development land via a Deed of Variation
• MUFC CLG to apply for ALL available S106 funds available for a combined Community and MUFC Pavilion
• If required to do so, transfer the Bowls Club carpark lease to MUFC CLG to meet travel plan needs
• Expand the MUFC Board of Directors to include independent community representatives and form sub-committees as outlined in the original MCSL business plan
• Design a single, inclusive building to serve the growing wider community and established clubs at
The Heights
• Base the building design around the needs of the community and akin to the one that passed the public consultation
• Provide a social space that can facilitate an array of community focused events at nominal rates
• Rename MUFC CLG if necessary to reflect broader community stewardship
• Cease engagement with OXA Design; transfer all plans to MUFC’s appointed RIBA accredited architect and designated town planner
• Proceed with local builders who have confirmed funding sufficiency through S106 and Premier League grants
• Continue collaboration with Barratt/Redrow and Sovereign Network Group to secure additional funding and construction support
• Secure the 35-year lease for a future 9x9 pitch and overspill parking to support long-term sports development
• Deliver enhanced social space with kitchen, bar, and a future artificial pitch to ensure sustainable income and future enhancement and support for wider community focused activities

Final Word:
Over a period of several years, certain existing and recently resigned members of the PC have repeatedly proven unable of managing a project of this scale or recognise the needs of their community. Their
decisions have led to financial losses and squandered opportunities. MUFC alone have witnessed losses of more than £70K in the past two years due to persistent delays.
Despite being the largest volunteer led club in the Parish, MPC have historically shown little interest in our sustainability or our mission. The deteriorating clubhouse has now driven away senior players and forced
the closure of our Ladies team—players and coaches citing embarrassment over broken promises and substandard facilities.

Therefore:
'Time is of the essence here. We urge the MPC to consider the proposals that I have made above and to vote on them without undue delay. It is recognised that an extraordinary meeting may be required
specifically to allow the public to comment on them before a decision is made, although if this is publicised adequately it is considered that a decision deadline of no later than 20th December would be appropriate. This provides MPC with over 6 weeks to consult with the public and to make a decision.'
We will not stand by and watch this development be delayed yet again, hence why this statement will be fully distributed through MUFCs media channels, with the potential to take further action if required to do so, as it relates to and threatens the future existence of the Club.