New village hall and play equipment set for approval

Plans for a new village hall, car park, multi-use games area and playground equipment in Bilsthorpe are set to be given the go-ahead.

Newark and Sherwood District Council's planning committee is recommended to approve proposals on Thursday for new facilities at Crompton Road Park.

According to planning documents, the proposed new building would be a replacement for the existing Cross Street parish hall, which due to its age and condition was "no longer financially viable" for the parish council to repair.

Documents added the proposals would provide opportunities for sport and recreation in the area.

A report prepared for councillors said organisations that previously used the parish hall on Cross Street were having to find alternative locations and added another community venue - the former St John Ambulance site - was being redeveloped into housing.

Due to this, and the "significant housing growth" in the village, there was a "genuine need" for a purpose-built parish hall, the report said.

Plans added the proposed village hall would contain a cafe, however the report said no decision had been made yet on who would operate the cafe.

The report said the proposal would result in the loss of some existing playground equipment, but added the existing outdoor gym equipment, skate park, half basketball court and informal play pitch would remain.

It said the play equipment - which would be lost as a result of the proposals - would be replaced by a "wide range of modern" equipment.

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