A VILLAGE hall near Tenbury could soon have a new extension after plans were submitted.

The plans, which are for a proposed single-storey extension at Eastham Memorial Hall, were submitted to Malvern Hills District Council in October.

In a covering letter and statement submitted with the application, Eastham Memorial Hall Committee said the hall is the only community building in the parish, and caters for around 210 locals. 

It is used for a wide range of events and activities, including a cinema club, community lunches, coffee mornings, toddler groups, keep fit classes and sports clubs, village meetings, fetes and more, the application said.

But, while the current building was only completed in 2021, the committee said shortcomings in the original design and, specifically, the lack of storage, have since become apparent.

The application said there is no adequate storage for tables and chairs, which have to be moved between the main hall and meeting rooms depending on users. 

Storage limitations mean the hall cannot be used for several events at the same time, with the committee having to turn enquiries down for this reason, it said. 

A previous application was submitted for a proposed single-storey extension, but this was refused in August. In their statement, the committee noted this was because the proposed development would "incur substantially into the identified root protection area of a mature oak tree, which is subject to a tree preservation order".

This would risk damaging the tree, which was said to make an important and positive contribution to the character and appearance of the rural village scene. 

The new application is seeking permission to add a lean-to extension to the rear of the hall to be used for storing tables and chairs, with the structure built on screw piles that will sit above ground level to mitigate damage to the oak tree on the site. 

Existing concrete piles directly adjacent to the eastern hall wall, and within the footprint of the previous hall structure, will also be utilised and built up, the application said.