PLANNING permission has been granted to build a new pavilion in Stone.

Dartford Council planning officers approved an application from Stone Parish Council to build a large £500,000 extension to the community hall at the recreation ground in London Road.

Set to open by the end of the year, the single-storey extension will provide more space for community facilities and offices for the parish council.

The pavilion will also include a function suite with kitchen and bar, and can be hired for large events such as wedding receptions.

Environmentally-friendly features such as solar panels, low-energy lighting and a system to harness rainwater to irrigate sports pitches, are also part of the plans.

Demolition of the existing pavilion is scheduled to take place at the end of the school year in July.

Also approved were plans to convert the current council offices into a pre-school centre.

News Shopper: STONE: New £500,000 pavilion gets go ahead

Stone Cricket Club is set to reap the benefits of the new pavilion, with new changing rooms and showers to be built, in line with Sport England guidelines.

The club hopes the new facilities will help it to attract more players and start a women’s team.

Councillor Thurza Richards, chairman of the parish council, said “It has long been an ambition of the council to improve community facilities and this year will see it finally come to fruition.

“By the end of the year, the community of Stone will have a premium community facility and a purpose-built pre-school which can accommodate more children.

“This will be a major boost for the area which has grown rapidly over the last few years placing many demands on local services.”

Meanwhile the parish council has announced Stone Fete will take place on July 4.

Last year’s fete was the first in 11 years and was attended by more than 7,000 people.

An early-bird discount is on offer for those who book pitches before April 9.

To find out more call 01322 224246 or email clerk@stoneparishcouncil.com