Exciting plans to redevelop Tetbury’s Dolphins Hall into a bustling community space have received full planning permission.

Councillors at Cotswold District Council approved plans for the redevelopment project encompassing a new community, youth and sports centre, as well as a new community hall for Tetbury on Wednesday, August 26.

During the planning process, the local community expressed their desire to see the project come to fruition with over 70 comments of support added to the application, which was also supported by all statutory bodies and consultees, with the exception of Tetbury Town Council who initially objected, but then later withdrew their objection.

Chair Steve Scott, said: “This decision marks another significant milestone for the project.

“The hall and the recreation ground hold a special place at the heart of our community but have been neglected for years and seriously outdated.

“This project is going to make a positive contribution to the community and provide Tetbury with the facilities it needs and deserves.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported us to get to this point, but the hard work now really begins!”

The Redevelopment Project will provide Sports England standard changing facilities, a long-awaited improved youth club and a larger, more flexible community hall, including a modern kitchen and all-important bar.

Building work for the first project (the new community, youth and sports building on the edge of the recreation ground) is scheduled to commence by the end of the year once a tender process has been completed and on receipt of S106 grant funding allocated to the Dolphins Recreation Centre.

The S106 funding is waiting to be forwarded by Tetbury Town Council, who are the delegated authority by Cotswold District Council to forward these funds to the Dolphins Recreation Centre.

The Trustees of the Dolphins Recreation Centre are hoping they will do following their September council meeting.

At the same time, fundraising will continue apace to replace the hall itself as part of the second project.

For more details, or to express an interest to tender, contact projectchair@dolphinshall.org. or visit www.dolphinshall.org/newbuild/