A parish council has been granted a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to move into a new village hall.

The council in Barrow had been offered the former pub/restaurant and a cottage in Old Row, Whalley Road to move into.

It said it is a “once in a lifetime opportunity to make a major improvement" to the village and will play a crucial role in "supporting Barrow's growing community" by providing essential services for years to come.

A planning application to move into the vacant building was submitted to Ribble Valley Borough Council last month.

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The council have now approved the application subject to various conditions.

The renovated hall will have wheelchair access at the rear of the building, an internal lift to the first floor, accessible toilets, a small well-being community garden, and car parking to the rear.

It is envisaged the hall will cater for all ages, from mother and toddler groups to over-60s keep-fit classes.

Regular users of the hall will include:

  • Dementia club
  • Horticultural club
  • Keep-fit classes
  • Toddler groups
  • Women's institute
  • Slimming World/Weight Watchers
  • Local history/walking/camera groups
  • Local Girl Guides
  • Language classes
  • Coffee shop

A planning statement said: "In addition, the Village Hall would be open for one-off events such as quiz nights, birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, special events, polling station and public meetings."

Two responses were received by the council which were generally supportive of the plans but called for traffic calming measures and double yellow lines to be introduced.

To view the plans in full, visit the council’s planning website.