West Howe playing field pavilion plans

Permission is being sought to demolish the existing pavilion at Fernheath playing fields in order to provide better changing facilities as well as a café.

Fernheath Community Sports Association said the work was part of its “future goals” for improving provision on the site and for reducing the risk of vandalism.

It said upgrading the “utilitarian” pavilion was needed because the building was reaching the “end of its life” but also because it is “central” to wider plans for the playing fields.

The new pavilion would increase the number of changing rooms and also provide a “café/bar” which can be split to form meeting space.

“The Fernheath Community Sports Association need to replace the existing changing rooms to be able to continue to provide sufficient facilities for the many sports teams that rely on them,” a statement submitted with its planning application says.

“The current building is coming to the end of its life and needs to be demolished and replaced before it reaches a state of in-operability.

“The association would like to take this opportunity to not just replace their facilities but to improve on them in line with their future goals for the site.”

Proposals being considered for the playing fields is the creation of an extra football pitch, a new multi-use games area as well as a children’s play area.

Its statement said the new pavilion was key to facilitating its other plans.

Discussions have been held with BCP Council, Sport England and the Football Association in order to secure funding for the work.

But planning permission is required to be awarded grants.

Its statement adds: “The proposed design aims to create a building that the local community can be proud of it; increasing its chance of success as a building increases the motivation to maintain the facility and reduce the chance of vandalism.”

The planning application will be considered by council planning officers in the coming weeks.