Plans to transform an empty field into an area with equipment for children have been unveiled. 

But questions linger over how the Old Becclesgate playing field in Dereham's north-west will be managed in the future. 

The town council has shared its designs for the field, which include a rotating sand table, a 'minibeast' totem panel and a shaded, central seating area.

A spokesman said it was designed to be "a quiet area for younger children and for people to sit. The location is less suited to active play."

But the project depends on Breckland Council handing over ownership of the land, which it originally requested in February in order to improve children's play provision in a part of town where it is lacking. 

Dereham Times: Dereham Town Council has shared the design of what the Old Becclesgate playing field could look likeDereham Town Council has shared the design of what the Old Becclesgate playing field could look like (Image: Dereham Town Council)

The town council wants to register the land with the charity, Fields in Trust, so it can be protected as a public open space in perpetuity.

But Breckland has not yet agreed to the scheme. 

A town council spokesperson said: “If Breckland insists on retaining control through restrictive covenants then the town council would conduct an online poll to see how residents feel about the two options.

"The justification is that these open spaces while owned by Breckland Council are held in trust for the residents of the area, so it is only proper that residents have a say in how they are protected."

Dereham Times: Back in February, the town council wrote to Breckland requesting that open spaces at Old Becclesgate, Sandy Lane and Girling Road be passed overBack in February, the town council wrote to Breckland requesting that open spaces at Old Becclesgate, Sandy Lane and Girling Road be passed over (Image: Archant © 2013)

A Breckland Council spokesman said they were working with the town council to find the best way forward. 

The spokesman said: “At Breckland Council, we are proud of our strong partnership approach and our track record of working collaboratively and constructively with organisations across the district to deliver for our communities.

“We remain committed to working with Dereham Town Council, as a key partner, on how we can together improve local spaces for residents.”