RESIDENTS in Kelbrook could see their village undergo a transformation, with a new parking area and extension to the village hall.

Two applications, on behalf of Kelbrook and Sough Village Hall, will be considered by the West Craven Committee on Tuesday and both proposals have been recommended for approval by council planners.

The first item is for the formation of a village car parking area for eight vehicles on a grassed area opposite St Mary's Church, which would include a vehicle turning area and a small seating area.

It is aimed at reducing the pressure for on-street car parking during events at the village hall.

The second part of the proposed development would be the construction of a double and single storey extension to the back and side of the village hall.

This would provide two new meeting rooms, new toilets, kitchens, a servery, storage areas, a reception foyer and small bar.

Facilities for disabled users would include a lift to the first floor, disabled toilets on both floors and level access to the hall.

The plans would also include the creation of a new secure garden/childrens play area.

Implementation of the proposed scheme is dependant upon the success of a grant aid application for which planning permission is needed at an early stage.

Earby councillor and Kelbrook resident, Rosemary Carroll, said: "I am very much in favour of these applications. The acoustics in the village hall are quite bad, so it really needs something doing with it and when the extension is done it will be used by more people.

"The road is quite narrow and there is nowhere to park round there, so although the proposed car park is only small, it will help. I think anything that can enhance the village is a good thing."

The application came about as a result of the Kelbrook and Sough Community Audit Report which highlighted where local people thought the community was lacking.

Some of these related to the village hall and suggestions for services which could be provided included a nursery, youth facilities, a doctors surgery and fitness area, all of which could be accommodated in the proposed scheme.