Fears Burton could lose village hall (From Bournemouth Echo)

Fears Burton could lose village hall

3:00pm Thursday 4th February 2010 in

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CAMPAIGNERS in Burton are protesting against the potential loss of a vital village amenity should a planning application get the go-ahead.

The proposal could change the use of the dilapidated hall, on the corner of Salisbury Road and Preston Lane, to accommodate a day nursery and provide an expansion to the existing facility almost opposite at the former annexe school.

Owned and managed by the vicar and wardens of nearby St Luke’s Parish Church, the hall has been a focal point of village life since it was built in 1915 on land leased from the Meyrick Estates.

Nearly 18 months ago the rundown condition of the corrugated sheet-clad steel hall rendered it unusable, leaving organisations including the parish council homeless.

Judy Jamieson, chairman of the parish council, said: “It would be so sad to lose this as a village amenity.

“There are very few places for groups or organisations to meet in the village now, which is why we have to hold our meetings in the local pub.

“The Scout hut and football hut are in use every evening and the church halls are also fully booked.

“We have a thriving community in Burton with many organisations that would welcome the parish hall being put back into use.”

The application for the hall includes alterations to the front and side extensions as well as changes to the fence and replacement windows.

A planning statement from the owner of the nursery said: “We consider that due to the proposed new and refurbishment works new life will be given to what could only be considered to be a building and site currently in decline.”

Melanie Sutton, planning officer at Christchurch Borough Council, said should the recommendation be to approve the scheme, the application would go to planning committee due to the parish council’s objection.