A NEW community hub which will include a cricket pavilion, village hall, bowls club and five new homes has been given the go-ahead.

The parish council at Sessay, near Thirsk, submitted the plans for the new and improved multi-use village hall scheme to Hambleton District Council planning committee, which approved them at a meeting on Thursday. (May 28)

The proposals include the demolition of the existing village hall for a new building with a separate bowls club house, relocation of existing bowls lawn, parking, and five new homes nearby, which include a detached house and a terrace of four two-story homes.

The multi-use games area will feature batting nets, allotments, children’s play area and a cricket pitch.

Ward councillor Cllr Peter Bardon said the community had come together to support the ambitious project.

“The parish council went to an international team to design the buildings and layout – this is really great for Sessay,” he said.

“It is a very brave project to undertake, and although some funding will eventually come from the sale of the five new homes, that won’t happen until after the village hall and pitches are in place.”

Sessay and Hutton Sessay Parish Council enlisted Sutherland Hussey Harris Architects, Edinburgh, as agents, who will use natural oak veneered panels or local red brick slip panels for the pavilion.

Four local residents contact the district council to object to the scheme, with concerns about increased traffic and noise, that the existing village hall is not supported, the viability of the building and that it is out of scale with the village.

Planning officer Andrew Cunningham said in his report the facility would not have a harmful impact on neighbourhood amenity.

“It is acknowledged that activity, including traffic, would peak according to social and sporting calendars and therefore may occur during evenings and weekends,” he said.

“However, it is considered that the infrequency of such events and the separation between the existing homes and the village hall and clubhouse would limit the impact.”

Cllr Kevin Hardisty added: “I have known Sessay Cricket Club for more than 25 years since my son played cricket there and it’s one of the best in the region.

“It’s fantastic for the community, and the way the building will fit in so you can still see the Hambleton Hills is amazing.”

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the project.