'Decaying' community hall set for major revamp

A "decaying" community hall will be replaced with "a comfortable and welcoming venue for all" after planning permission was granted.

Morland Hall at Highbridge in Somerset, currently provides a focal point for the Morland estate following the recent loss of the local library and social club.

The Sedgemoor Community Partnership put forward plans in October 2024 to demolish the current structure and replace it with a more modern facility.

Somerset Council has now given these proposals the green light, meaning demolition work could begin before the end of the year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The hall is on Pearce Drive to the north of Newtown Lake, a short distance from the Morland Community Centre on Trowbridge Close.

The Burnham and Highbridge Community Plan describes the current facilities as "inadequate" for the community's needs, especially with the closure of other facilities within easy reach of the Morland estate.

The new building is designed to be sub-divided, so that multiple different community groups and organisations can utilise the space at the same time.

The main hall will be created nearest to Pearce Drive, with a workshop area close by and a dedicated space to allow for counselling or mental health support services.

The entire facility will be wheelchair accessible and will include a large amount of storage space which can be utilised by different groups.

The plans were approved by Somerset Council's planning officers through their delegated powers, rather than a public decision by its planning committee north.

Demolition of the existing hall and construction of the new venue is expected to begin before the end of 2025.

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