The Story So Far ...
Blandford Parish Church launched a campaign in April to build a new Church Hall in the Tabernacle area of Blandford. As you are no doubt aware, the existing hall is in a very poor state and has been so for many years. The deterioration in it's condition now means that any restoration work would require replacing the roof and stripping the walls down to within half a metre of the floor - effectively meaning a replacement building with virtually nothing of the original structure remaining. The simple fact is that when the Hall was built some 130 years ago, it was not intended to be still standing in the 21st Century !
At present, we are unable to use the building and our children's work takes place in three buildings around the town. We have a vision for a hall which would bring them together as well as being of use to other church groups and being available to a wide variety of groups and organisations across the town.
So What's Been Going On ?
The Church PCC lodged a Planning Application for the demolition of the existing hall in April and this was supported by a petition of some 1700 residents of the Blandford Area and numerous letters of support from all sectors of the community. Shortly before coming forward for discussion, the application was deferred due to the understanding that Councillors would be unable to approve an application leading to the levelling of a site currently housing a listed building. The Church Hall is listed only due to it being within the curtilage of the Grade 2 Listed Old Rectory.
After a couple of months of subsequent discussion with the planning officers at NDDC, an impasse has occurred as to which way we should progress with the matter. The officers are of the view that the building can be restored and amended to meet the requirements of the Church and Community but the Church PCC is of the view that a more practical, financially appropriate and common sense approach would be to replace the existing rooms with a new build that would be more able to meet the requirements and needs of the Community. The reasoning behind this view along with a supporting view from our Church architect is explored in the special edition of
So Where Now ... ?
The PCC has now taken the decision to request that the deferred application be reinstated and considered by NNDC but with an appended, legally-binding, declaration that, should the application be agreed, no demolition work will take place until such time as plans for a replacement building have been approved. It is hoped that discussion of the reinstated application will take place in September and I am hoping that we may be able to count upon your support in this matter.
We have a vision for a building which will be available to the community as well as the church, offering high-quality meeting and exhibition facilities which will enhance the amenities open to the residents of Blandford Forum. If you would like to know more about the hall, please get in touch with us - we hope that you will feel able to actively support this application.
