Barcombe New
Village Hall Appeal
What's wrong with our existing village hall?
1. Do Nothing
Given the problems set out above, the hall will continue to deteriorate. As it falls far short of current legislative requirements, notably in regard to Health and Safety and the Disability Discrimination Act, there is a strong possibility that it will be forced to close and the village will be without a community facility. A village in West Sussex recently lost a case brought by a disabled person and was ordered to pay costs and damages.
2. Repair and Renovation
Whilst some of the deficiencies of the current hall could be rectified, this would be at significant cost (certainly into six figure sums) and result in substantial loss of usable floor space. Would the end result justify the expenditure required, even if funding for such a purpose could be found?
3. Use Other Buildings in the Village
The only other hall intended for general use is the sports hall attached to Barcombe School . It is not compatible with or appropriate for use as a community hall. Other buildings are under non-public ownership (church, fire station, public house) and are not suitable for community use.
4. New Build
A new, purpose-built facility is the only option which will enable us to meet the current and future needs of the village community. The Parish Council has already purchased a piece of land on the edge of the village; planning permission has been granted for the new hall. Permission has also been obtained for the conversion of the old hall into three affordable homes, much needed in the centre of the village. Sale of the current hall for this purpose would generate a substantial sum, which it is anticipated would cover almost half of the cost of the new build.
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