A 'MUCH-NEEDED' new community centre is coming to Bretch Hill after councillors voted to flatten the 'aged' existing one in Dover Avenue.

The Hill Youth and Community Centre has only been able to provide limited services since 2013 when damage to the roof led to its large hall being closed.

Last week, Cherwell District Council's planning committee gave the long-awaited formal stamp of approval to plans to build an £840,000 new facility on the same site.

A public consultation on the future of the site took place in September last year and a bright, modern design has been chosen for the new space.

Colin Clarke, the council's lead member for planning, said: "The new centre will be of great benefit to the local residents as it has been designed to meet their needs.

"I am very glad that the community will have the big hall back since they have been prevented from using the existing one for four years due to its poor condition."

Organisations such as Banbury Community Church and the Bretch Hill Youth Action Team, as well as homework clubs and craft groups, currently use The Hill.

The site has been plagued for years by a leaky roof and asbestos was also present in parts of the building including the roof and garage blocks.

The new building will have a bigger hall that is 9.5m high with a badminton court, as well as a smaller hall for community events and office space.

Car parking will also be increased. The building will be built from render, timber-effect cladding and red brick with 'significant' window glazing.

A total of £400,000 towards the rebuild is coming from Cherwell, topped up by £350,000 of National Lottery Funding, £10,000 each from local charities and Banbury Town Council, and £70,000 from Section 106 contributions, which is money paid by the developers of large projects to fund local amenities.

Mr Clarke added: "We chose to build the community centre from scratch because the existing one is too damaged and refurbishment would not have been cost-effective.

"Of course, it will take more time to deliver a brand new building but this is going to be a valuable long-term investment in the community.

"We believe in supporting active lifestyles for residents of all ages. I am sure that the new building, with the additional badminton court, is fit for this purpose."

The application sailed through Cherwell's planning committee on Thursday night, with the only criticism based on the fact that it had to happen at all.

Councillor Barry Richards, who represents the ward, said: "It's a vast improvement on what's there. It is a much-needed and much-used facility.

"The whole isssue is that a lot of the work being done was as a result on the roof not being repaired and the cost escalating. I just wish the council hadn't neglected its duty."