Disabled access plan for hall at town centre church
IMPROVED access for people with mobility problems using St Mary’s Church Hall is on the cards but funds are needed to make the idea a reality.
The parochial church council have submitted a bid to build a ramp and new steps at the main entrance from St Mary’s Road Hinckley.
Obtaining planning permission looks a foregone conclusion, but ensuring the work goes ahead is dependant largely on external factors.
The church hall has recently undergone a facelift and, while this has been funded by the parish, the external update requires financial support.
Reverend John Whittaker, vicar at St Mary’s, said: “St Mary’s hall has served the community of Hinckley for many decades by providing accommodation for a wide range of groups. These include uniformed organisations, a pre-school and groups supporting music, drama, health, well-being and community life. This summer we embarked on an ambitious renewal programme, starting with the roof and toilets and moving onto windows and a new entrance.
“The new entrance is to allow better access to the building by wheelchair users, people with reduced mobility and prams and pushchairs. Whilst we have raised the money for the internal works, we are short of the funds to build the wheelchair ramp and renew the main entrance. Challenging times for us, but we believe this is the right development and we hope donors will be willing to offer support.”
The upgrade will mean replacement of the existing wooden front entrance door and frame and replacement of windows.
A planning application received by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council states: “Due to the necessity to provide access for wheelchair users and persons with limited mobility the applicants wish to apply for planning permission to construct a new ramped access along with new steps to give access to the Church Hall from St Mary’s Road.
“The design of the doors and windows are sympathetic to the style and character of the existing building and finished with anthracite grey powder coating and will not have an adverse impact upon the character of the building.
“The ramp and steps will be constructed to comply with current building regulations with tactile paving on approach to the top and bottom steps.”
The matter will be decided at committee or by a planning officer through delegated powers.