A VILLAGE hall is to be extended after Herefordshire planners approving the scheme for an additional meeting space and improved toilet facilities.

Weston-under-Penyard Village Hall is currently a well-used amenity, and a planning application approval is for a single storey extension which will enhance community facilities by providing an additional meeting space, complete with appropriate sanitary provisions.

This small extension is taking advantage of funding that a developer has provided the local authority to improve local amenities.

The construction will match the existing red facing brick, timber framed windows and doors, which have been painted dark grey, interlocking concrete-roof tiles on a sloping hipped roof.

Agent Brett Baynham for Mike Etheridge Construction said: “The proposed development has a design which upholds the character and appearance of the locality, having special regard for the appearance of this part of the village.

“The application demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable development, architectural integrity, and community enhancement.

“We have carefully considered and addressed all aspects of design, access, heritage and environmental impact to ensure that our proposal contributes positively to the site and its surrounding area.”

No additional recycling or refuse arrangements have been made, as the limited increase in these following the construction of the new meeting room will merged with the existing arrangements in-place.

The site is entirely located within Flood Zone one, but it is an area with a low probability of flooding and has been built a lot higher than the sports pitch below.

Planning officer Heather Carlisle visited the site last month and observed that the current village hall buildings was built in the 1980s and that it has ample existing car park spaces and playing field opposite.

She said that the extension would be at the front of the building and would be of a modest scale.

Ms Carlisle said: “In order to support the proposed level of growth in the area and contribute towards maintaining a resilient and balanced community, developers should contribute towards enhancing these community facilities and other facilities considered necessary as the result of the expansion of Weston-Under-Penyard.

“The addition is considered to add to the vitality of the community facility and would help to bolster a sense of community within the village.

“The nature of the extension will enhance community facilities by providing an additional meeting space, and it will not have any impact on the existing parking arrangements / numbers.

“On the whole I consider the proposal is modest and would not be a determinant to the host property character or surrounding area.

“The existing building is of a design that is of its time with no particular architectural merit. The overall scale of the additions would make it appear secondary or at least not dominate the existing building.

Ms Carlisle concluded that the scheme would provide social and economic benefits to this rural area and said: “The application is therefore considered a sustainable form of development which accords with the principle determining criteria of the relevant development plan policies. It is accordingly recommend for approval.”