Delight as Pavilion project gets go-ahead
Plans to build a new pavilion in Stone are set to become a reality after Dartford Borough Council Planning Officers granted permission for the scheme this week.
Stone Parish Council applied in December to demolish the existing pavilion at the recreation ground to make way for a new single story building to adjoin the community hall providing community facilities and offices for the council.
The decision means that construction is likely to be complete by the end of the year.
The decision comes a week after approval for the pre-school scheme which will see the current council offices transformed into a dedicated early-years facility.
Chairman of the council, Cllr Thurza Richards said,
“This is fantastic news. It has long been an ambition of the council to improve community facilities and this year will see it finally come to fruition.
By the end of the year, the community of Stone will have a premium community facility and a purpose-built pre-school which can accommodate more children. This will be a major boost for the area which has grown rapidly over the last few years placing many demands on local services.”
The new facility will feature an additional function suite with kitchen and bar and new changing rooms and showers, which are hoped will facilitate development of Stone Cricket Club.
Over the past year, the council has rejected a number of applications for regular hire due to limited capacity so completion is likely to see a number of new activity clubs for local residents.
The venue could also become an ideal wedding reception or celebration venue with decked terraces overlooking the cricket pitch and views beyond to the QE2 Bridge.
The planning permission contains conditions regarding site regulation but the council has also opted for modular construction meaning that most of the production will take place off-site minimising disruption to local residents.
Demolition of the pavilion is scheduled to take place at the end of the school term in July and construction should be complete in November.
