Aldworth village hall up for demolition again

An application from the Aldworth Village Hall Charitable Trust on behalf of the parish council seeks to demolish the ‘severely dilapidated’ hall on Bell lane and build a replacement on the same site along with relocating the cricket scorer’s hut, which backs onto the building.
The trust says that the village has grown significantly over the last century, with three housing developments and conversions of redundant farm buildings.
It adds that there are no youth groups because the facilities are poor and there is no church hall, with activities in the church relying on the 95-year-old village hall.
It says that while the village has a Grade I listed church and renowned historic pubs, the village hall fails as the third element needed to properly support the village.
The trust said: “The aim is to ensure that current uses are better served, such that they can survive.
“All existing groups will benefit from new, larger, accessible facilities enabling broader use by parishioners and others, a support to the community as a whole.”
The number of parking spaces will remain at 23, with one disabled space, but five cycle spaces will be added.
The plans to build a new hall followed a survey in which 44 of 85 voting parishioners said they favoured a new building.
A planning application was approved in 2007 but funding, retention and the results of the structural survey led to other options being investigated; the result being a similar scheme on a reduced scale being agreed in 2011.
So far, the plans have been met with support from villagers, who have contributed to the more than £290,000 towards the project, which also includes grant funding.
The Rev Will Watts said that Aldworth has a “strong village character and supports many groups and organisations. The village hall has been an essential element of village life and is badly in need of renewal. This new facility will greatly enhance and strengthen the community life of the village.”
Villager Pauline Sheppard said: “Villagers have already succeeded in raising the funds to build Aldworth’s much-needed new village hall. This improved facility will be the heart of our community for all ages of present and future generations. Our award winning, community-run, weekly Saturday Market, and all other village groups, deserve a venue that is fit for purpose.
“A new, improved hall will encourage even more use. Its beautiful setting makes it an ideal venue for both villagers and hirers. “
A decision is expected from West Berkshire Council by Monday, June 9.