New Pavilion scheme submitted for planning
Plans for a new pavilion in Stone have progressed to the next stage following submission of a planning application to Dartford Borough Council.
Stone Parish Council has applied for permission to demolish the existing cricket pavilion and build a large extension to the community hall at the recreation ground, providing increased capacity and much-improved facilities catering for the needs of the existing and future growth of the parish.
The new building aims to incorporate a number of environmentally-friendly features such as solar panels, low-energy lighting and a system to harness rainwater to irrigate the sports pitches at the recreation ground. Use of sun pipes and sky lights will maximise natural light and an external terrace area will provide views over the cricket square and beyond to the QE2 bridge.
The project will also see the relocation of council staff to the new building in order for St Mary’s preschool to move to the existing council offices, following renovation and extension, for use as a new preschool facility (the subject of another recent planning application).
Chairman of the council Cllr Thurza Richards said,
“This is very exciting progress. We are one step nearer our dream of realising top-class facilities for residents of Stone. We have a high demand for services and this will only increase as the parish grows. We must ensure that we are prepared for expansion and that we have facilities which allow the development of local clubs and organisations to meet the needs of local people.”
The building will also feature new changing rooms and showers, in line with Sport England guidelines, that will allow Stone Cricket Club to expand and hopefully attract female and junior players.
Nigel Southam of Stone Cricket Club said,
“This is excellent news. The club are looking forward to utilizing the new facility, and the development of Stone Cricket Club into a positive resource for local residents. The club hopes to realise dreams of establishing a junior team and even a women’s’ team if interest is shown. Should the planning application be successful, the club will be assured of a bright future.”
A decision on planning is expected in January 2010 and, if successful, construction should be complete by October 2010.
View the Design & Access Statement here...
View the full planning application here...
Delight as St Mary's gets funding boost
The Pavilion Project welcomed a major boost to its plans after St Mary's Under-fives Preschool were successful in securing funding of £450,000 enabling the preschool to relocate and expand local provision.
The funding, secured through Sure Start's Sustainiility grant and administered by Kent County Council, will see St Mary's renovate and extend the existing council office block, which overlooks the childrens' playground at the recreation ground.
With a growing population, St Mary's will be able to take more numbers of children than ever before with 40 new starters in September 2010 assured of fantastic new facilities.
The preschool children will also benefit from an improved outdoor space and the dedicated site will provide the preschool with the ability to extend their hours providing full day care in line with government guidelines.
The relocation of St Mary's will provide the preschool with a secure, tailor-made and child-friendly environment while the new pavilion will cater for local groups and social hirers.
In all, residents of Stone will see benefits of over £1m expenditure open their doors by next autumn.
More details will be published soon...
