LINDFORD Parish Council is to finally get its own premises - a village hall in Washford Lane. East Hampshire District Council's planning committee decided to grant permission for the hall last Wednesday - the same month the parish celebrated its 25th anniversary. When the Chase Road development was first planned, a legal agreement was signed by developers Bellway Homes and Charles Church stating that they must provide a community building on the Chase Road site. Therefore, the parish council saw this as an ideal opportunity to take occupancy of this building. Parish councillor Liz King, who is hoping to become Lindford's district councillor at the forthcoming May 3 elections, said: "I am delighted that Lindford is to finally get a village hall. "This is something the local community has needed for some time. Talking to local people I know that the parish council has worked very hard on this to get the best deal for the community. "The Chase Road development has been highly controversial and this is perhaps something positive that has come out of it." There is currently nowhere for councillors and groups to meet and the parish clerk has to work from home. The new building will house a large room to seat 100 people, a smaller committee room, a kitchen, toilets, storage areas, and a parish office. It is hoped the hall will become self-sufficient over time and subsequently pay for itself. Ms King added: "Given that climate change is such an important issue, I would be pleased if it could be designed to the greenest standards, with good insulation and maybe some solar panels. "Security lighting is also a must, but I gather that's all been looked into. "This has been a few years coming and may not be in the most central location, but I am sure it will be worth the wait. "I hope it will be great success." The building should be completed by early next year, with plans to take up occupancy by April 2008 at the latest. The parish has built up a fund to equip the hall and has access to grant funding. A number of potential users have already come forward, including a pre-school group, a dance group, an exercise group, a lunch club, a mother and toddler group, the Women's Institute, a table tennis group and a slimming club. It will also be available for children's parties and other events. If anyone is interested in using the hall, or for further information, please contact council chairman Ian Skelton-Smith on 01420 477010.