Fernhill Heath, a village in Worcestershire on the A38, could finally get a community hall after councillors revealed that talks had begun with a developer.
The parish, one of the largest in the Wychavon District, has been described by many as having community at its centre but the village has missed out on having a base for events.
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Currently, the village runs a pop-up cafe out of a gazebo on the Brum or from chair of the North Claines Parish Council Meg Farmer’s home.
Other events have been taking place in pop-up areas.
Below is a rough location of where the village hall could be.
Daniel Birch, Wychavon District Councillor for the area, said: “It’s a really important step towards securing a community space for the village.
“I’ve been out with Meg Farmer, the chair of North Claines Parish council, numerous times at the pop-up cafe in the village, and although it’s a wonderful community event, it does need a proper home.
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“Similarly, the village needs space for pop-up events, community groups and essential services.
“North Claines is one of the largest parishes in Wychavon and its infrastructure should reflect this.”
The village has been searching for a hub – either a cafe or a community hall – so residents can finally have a base for many years.
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Discussions have begun with Lioncourt Homes who councillors hope can help them make the plans come to fruition.
Birdseye of the field which will have the 130 homes built on in Fernhill Heath. (Image: Lioncourt Homes) Councillors hope they can buy the land adjacent to the new 130 homes development in Dilmore Lane for the village hall.
“We have been looking for appropriate sites for a long time including looking at Bull Meadow, Hurst Lane, Claines Lane and the parish has made clear they would be willing to purchase the War Memorial Club,” said Cllr Birch.
“None of these leads have ever come to fruition but we are hoping that Lioncourt Homes will be willing to work with us to try and secure some infrastructure for the village and provide essential services.”
In November, Cllr Farmer appealed in Worcester News for help finding a location.
She said, “We put community above everything else, but the sad thing is that we have no heart.
“There is no community hall or cafe for people to visit.
“Before I die, I hope we manage to get that.
“With a community hall, we could do so much.”