Plans to demolish an old, disused pavilion destroyed by fire and smoke damage and replace it with a new, purpose-built community building have been given the thumbs-up by Babergh.
Members of Babergh District Council's Development Committee gave a green light to a planning application for the new building, in Meadow Way, Hadleigh, at its meeting last month.
The building, which is being funded by Suffolk County Council, will become the new home for Hadleigh Community Playgroup and its pre-school children.
Once it is completed, Babergh Members will consider further improvements to the open space surrounding the new building including possible redesign and landscaping options for the entire area. The timing of this further work will, of course, depend on budget restraints.
Cllr Sue Wigglesworth, Babergh's Chair of the Housing Panel, said: “This very worthwhile project provides a local community play group with a much-needed new home. The new building will also replace a disused building, which has turned into a real eyesore, and will breathe a new lease of life to the recreation ground in Hadleigh.”
Work on the demolition and rebuilding is due to start in the Spring – with possible completion later this year and the new occupiers moving in as soon as possible afterwards.
And Rachel Cole, Chairman of Hadleigh Community Playgroup, added: “Myself, the playgroup committee and staff are really pleased that planning permission has been granted. It means the project can really get started.
“We will be working closely with Babergh and Suffolk County Council to open the new building as soon as possible and improve and expand our services for pre-school children in Hadleigh and the surrounding areas.” ENDS
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