A village hall in Mid Suffolk will be transformed following the demolition of its bowls pavilion, as plans for expansion have been given the go-ahead by a council. 

Proposals to extend and adapt Stowupland Village Hall, near Stowmarket, were submitted to Mid Suffolk District Council in August and, on October 25, were approved by council planners. 

The plans will see the current site, which is described as being in a "serviceable condition" but requiring "significant upgrades and work to remain fit for purpose", be expanded with an increased offering for the growing community and wider area.

Plans approved by the council will see the bowls pavilion demolished, external storage replaced and the parking reorganised so the existing village hall can be extended. 

There will be two new changing rooms, each for 16 people, as well as two referee changing rooms, village hall toilet facilities, an equal access WC and shower room, and two new meeting rooms. 

There will be a bar with dual aspect serving both the social club and the village hall, and, in a new first floor area, there would be another meeting room and storage area. 

The larger hall will also incorporate a bowls club social area, changing room and servery, to replace the current, dilapidated bowls pavilion. 

These proposals will almost double the footprint of the building. 

Stowupland Parish Council supported the application, provided the access visibility splay was improved. 

One objection comment was received which voiced fears over the noise of smashing glass, odour and overlooking by delivery/collection drivers due to the siting of the recycling point. 

One supporting comment and two neutral comments were also submitted to the council. 

On October 25, Mid Suffolk District Council gave the plans the green light. 

Site construction can now take place between 7.30am and 6pm Mondays to Fridays and between 8am and 1pm on Saturdays.