A new Potton community hall is looking increasingly likely after the final hurdle for planning permission was cleared.

The Comet: Plans for the Potton Hall for All. Picture: Potton Hall for AllPlans for the Potton Hall for All. Picture: Potton Hall for All

The Potton Hall for All, set to be built on the south edge of the new Tall Trees housing development, is to include a 416-square-metre main hall, two meeting rooms, a kitchen, bar, foyer and more.

Central Bedfordshire Council has approved a reserved matters application for the hall, which will be next to the Hutchinson Hollow sports facilities.

But Kim Gutteridge from the Potton Hall for All charity said the work doesn’t done yet, and has called for the community to rally behind the project.

“There is still much work to do to turn this permission into a reality,” she said.

“We are currently working with Potton Town Council to secure Potton Hall for All as the recipient of the money earmarked for a community building in the Tall Trees section 106 agreement.

“Among many other actions the charity is undertaking is the serious business of raising the capital funding for the building.

“If you or your business would like to be involved, the trustees would love to hear from you.”

The Potton Hall for All has been subject to a long consultation to create a building and site design billed as meeting “the diverse needs of a great many sporting, cultural and recreational bodies in and around Potton”.

The charity hopes the hall, overlooking the proposed community orchard, Potton Brook and Pegnut Wood, will provide a picturesque venue for wedding receptions and social occasions, as well as facilities suitable for conferences and business meetings. A footpath link will put it within walking distance of Potton town centre.

Kim said: “Much work has been done to reach this stage by a dedicated group of volunteers, supported by numerous clubs and societies with whom we have jointly raised funds and the profile of the Hall for All. This includes the May Day Fete with the cricket club, Murder Mystery with the Scouts and Potton Playhouse, Gardener’s Question Time with the Potton Show Committee, and many others.

“The trustees are most grateful for the support of our ward councillors and Potton Town Council, who will own the land and lease it to Hall for All for nominal rent.”

To find out more, have a look at pottonhallforall.co.uk or facebook.com/pottonhallforall.