Residents of Over Wallop are set to receive a new sports pavilion and community hub after the parish council’s plans were approved.

Over Wallop Parish Council had submitted plans to rejuvenate their sports field with a new pavilion, as well as an expanded car park, relocated cricket nets and other adjustments to modernise the area.

The council had previously described the current pavilion as: “in poor condition, unattractive and no longer fit for purpose, with changing facilities and social spaces that do not meet the standards of the relevant sporting bodies and put off potential users.”

They added that the new facility would “encourage more activities to take place and provide proper facilities for sporting activities to take place.”

Now the plans have been approved, the existing pavilion will be demolished to be replaced with a bespoke design for the site, which has been developed to comply with the requirements of the English Cricket Board and Sports England.

It will have a large glass frontage looking onto the cricket pitch, with sliding screens to protect the building when not in use. Inside, there will be a large social area and kitchen, with two sets of changing rooms and showers for different teams. There will also be a changing room set aside for referees and match officials.

The architects say that the design is “for a simple pavilion that is distinctive, attractive and responds to its rural setting”, as well as containing modern features such as being fully accessible. It is hoped that the new pavilion will be able to host community events all year round using this space.

Test Valley Borough Council officers, after examining the application, decided on its approval, saying that the plans would “integrate, respect and complement the charter of the area, whilst also positively sustaining the significance of the nearby heritage assets.”

Now planning permission has been granted, construction work needs to take place within the next three years.