Planners approve community hall for village near Grantham

A proposed community/village hall planned just outside Grantham has received outline planning permission.

South Kesteven District Council has approved a scheme for a 550m building on an 0.18ha site adjacent to Westholme, Low Road, Barrowby.

Barrowby Parish Council wants to erect the centre on the derelict site of the former Royal British Legion Club, which was demolished following a fire.

In its application to SKDC, the parish council said the new facility would "accommodate the increased need for meeting venues within the village."

"This increased need has been caused by an increasing population brought about by recent planning permissions within the village."

A report prepared by SKDC planning staff said the district council received 28 letters in support of the scheme and two letters against.

Opponents felt there was not enough information about the scheme, which they said was not needed and it might be costly, and affect the privacy and amenity of nearby properties.

But supporters noted the site had has a similar previous use and Barrowby lacked sufficient community facilities, which it needed more of as the village grew.

Planning staff said the application was acceptable, noting the site's similar use previously. Any impact on the area can be addressed later at the reserved matters stage when final plans are submitted. The site scheme was also in an existing built up area.

Their report concluded the application met many council planning policies and should be accepted.