PLANS have been submitted to build a new public hall and library on land in Kingskerswell.

Planners at Teignbridge Council are being asked to approve details for the new hall, part of a planned development of 175 new homes on the site at Newton Road.

Permission was granted for the development off Coffinswell Lane in April 2019 and the application included provision for a public hall and community facilities.

The latest plans have now been revealed for a large main hall, library, meeting room and open display and cafe area.

The proposal also features a small kitchen, toilets, storage and office spaces.

A terrace and outside play area is proposed on the southern side of the building and looks over the green spaces, with views of the Aller Brook and proposed native and ornamental tree planting.

The specification of the hall is in accordance with the option agreement between The Crown Estate and the trustees of the public hall, through a S106 agreement. Also included is access to male, female and disabled toilet facilities.

A statement with the application says: ‘The scale of the proposed building is deliberately kept as a low single storey development with pitched roof to mitigate the impact from distant views.

‘The public hall is parallel to the road with easy access for accessible parking bays and a covered waiting/buggies area at the entrance.

‘A terrace wraps around the rear and eastern elevations of the building providing sheltered outdoor areas for the cafe and play area. The size of the hall exceeds the minimum requirement of 232sqm to accommodate all features sought by the trustees of the public hall.’

This phase one proposal also includes a new road, footpath, car park, landscaping and accessible parking bays. A decision is expected by Teignbridge Council by June 3.