DESIGNS have been approved by councillors to replace a "dilapidated" village hall.

Plans for a new village hall in Holt Heath, near Worcester, have been approved by Malvern Hills District Council after an application was submitted on behalf of the Holt Village Hall Trust by Worcester firm Nick Carroll Architects.

The firm's founder, Nick Carroll, said: "It has been an exciting few months for the residents of Holt who have now received good news from the planning authorities granting permission to rebuild their village hall.

"The existing hall is in a state of dilapidation and is no longer fit-for-purpose.

"A new, vibrant proposal designed by Nick Carroll Architects illustrates a multi-purpose building that reflects feedback from several community participation exercises in the village.

"While there are already financial commitments from local trusts and donors, Holt Village Hall Trust anticipate reaching their full financial target by the end of the year to enable the project to be built."

The plans, which were first submitted in June, include demolition of the existing village hall.

Worcester architect Nick Carroll has said the existing village hall is "no longer fit for purpose". (Image: Nick Carroll Architects)

Malvern Hills District councillor Dean Clarke, who represents Holt Heath, said: "The hall is still being used now to some extent, but it smells of damp and rot when you are in there and the foundations of the building aren't to the level they should be anymore."

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The council delivered its approval on August 16 and now further funding is required to begin construction.

Cllr Clarke said: "I believe they will look to start work within the next year, though the timeline very much depends on the further funding being put in place.

"A new building is incredibly important though, and other villages in my area have shown the benefits of a good village hall.

"They reduce the chances of social isolation in the community and they bring people together.

The new designs include a main hall alongside kitchen, lounge and meeting areas while there will be room outside the main building for 18 car parking spaces.

Cllr Clarke added: "Local groups uses these spaces frequently, whether its dance or exercise groups or even play groups, and the Holt Parish Council uses the village hall at the moment."