PARISH councillor Wes Poole will be making significant contributions to a new village hall as part of a 10 homes plan for Christchurch, says a report to Fenland planners.

Cllr Poole wants to build the homes south of Church Road on land that was once used as a yard for his farm business.

Now, in a design statement to Fenland District Council, his agent Peter Humphrey explains the rationale behind the application.

Mr Humphrey says the site is fronted by the existing village hall and Cllr Poole “has, in taking the land into the proposed development site, contributed significantly to the funds for the construction of the new hall proposed for the village.

“Additionally he proposes, on completion of a satisfactory planning permission for the proposed development, to make further direct financial contribution to assist in the completion of the new hall project.”

Mr Humphrey says the rear of the site is outside the development area boundary but it is widely recognised that the boundaries are in some areas “not consistent with the current planning intentions and requirements” due to the length of time which has passed since they were reviewed.

He added: “Since the applicant retired from farming activities, the land has been vacant and the majority of the farm buildings have been demolished.

“The front of the site is taken up by the existing Christchurch Village Hall; this facility is being replaced by the construction of a new community hall situated on parish council land to the north of the village centre.”

Mr Humphrey also said councillors and officers would be aware “of the acute shortage of land suitable for small scale high quality executive development within the existing development boundaries.

“These proposals address that need.”