A VILLAGE on the outskirts of Basingstoke could be getting its own village hall.

Developers have submitted a planning application to build a new hall on land adjacent to Christ Church, in Baughurst Road, Ramsdell.

Currently, the Ramsdell community uses Christ Church itself as its main hall for organisations, however, with around 350 people living in the village, and a nearby residential development of 3,400 homes soon to be built, there is a need for growth in community facilities to match.

A planning statement submitted by The Goddard Partnership read: “Whilst the village has a clearly active and sociable community, the existing facilities do little to support this.

“The community has been utilising a wooden hall to the east of the church, which has now become unsuitable for the growing needs of the community.”

If planning permission is granted, the design of the hall takes inspiration from the traditional barn structures found in the area, using vertical timber cladding which weathers down over time and slate roofing, as well as having parking for users.

However, as the proposal is on land which is part of a conservation area, some residents have objected to the plans.

Brian and Jean Cooper who live in Monk Sherborne Road added in their objection they would suffer a ‘loss of privacy’ if permission is granted and also fear an increase in noise and traffic.

However, the plans have been supported by Sarah Morris who runs a local toddler group. In her submission, she wrote: “Currently the condition of the existing building and lack of parking doesn’t make it viable for us to meet there weekly on a Friday, be we would be delighted to use the new facilities.”

A decision will be made by November 23. For more information or to comment on the plans visit planning.basingstoke.gov.uk and search for 17/03291/FUL.