Big plans revealed to replace ageing village sports pavilion with community hub
Wakefield village sports pavilion could be transformed into a modern community hub
Plans to transform a village sports pavilion into a community hub have been submitted to Wakefield Council.
The scheme includes demolishing the building on Balk Lane in Netherton and building a replacement facility.
Proposals submitted to the local authority on behalf of Sitlington Parish Council said the new premises would offer an improved clubhouse for sports teams as well as space for local community groups, private events and charity fundraisers.
The document said the new building would be constructed on the footprint of the existing structure and would be fitted with solar panels.
The planning statement said: “The desired design is respectful to the wider area but will modernise the current building so it is more efficient from a function and performance point of view.”
Improved parking facilities, to include accessible drop off spaces at the site, are also planned.
The report added: “Currently, there is frequent roadside parking that impinges on the site’s boundary and creates a hazardous situation on the roadside.
“The development therefore represents a proportionate enhancement of an existing community facility rather than an expansion of built form into the wider green belt.
“Given the modest scale of increase, the retention of the existing footprint, and the significant improvements in design quality, functionality and environmental performance, the proposal would not result in substantial harm to the openness or purposes of the green belt and is considered to accord with national green belt policy.”
Council planning officers have yet to determine the application.