SANDYMOOR residents are concerned that proposals submitted for a new district centre in the village will close their existing community hall.

The plans, put forward by the Land End group and in partnership with the Williams Tarr Group, consist of accommodation for over 55s in the form of 43 one and two bedroom apartments, as well as five bungalows, a children’s day nursery and six retail units.

The existing Sandymoor Community Hall is set in the middle of the proposed development.

It currently has two access points; one for the public and one for deliveries and emergency services.

Residents say the proposed plan has moved the service access near to the public access.

Paul Hazeldine, chairman of Sandymoor Hall said: "There is a reason these access points are completely separate.

"They provide two distinct and safe routes for either accessing the hall or, in the unfortunate event of a fire, for escaping safely to a safety zone."

Paul stressed that the Sandymoor community has worked hard over the last four years to bring life back to the hall.

He added: "For years it was in the community but was not part of the community.

"We now host several events throughout the year which brings in valuable funds for the upkeep of the hall.

"We have amplified music, live bands and outdoor events such as the summer BBQ and village fete."

They must apply for licences for these outdoor events and Paul is worried that these will be revoked with over 55's accommodation so close to the hall.

Paul said: "Why would a developer plan a three-storey retirement accommodation near to a village hall who plays loud music, has children playing and hosts outdoor events?

"Surely residents of such an establishment would like peace and quiet?"

The proposed new nursery is also unnerving residents.

Sandymoor has two existing pre-schools, The Little Manor Nursery and Pre-school and Sandymoor Pre-School and Nursery.

Paul said: "The plan to bring in another facility will certainly be to the detriment of one or both of the existing Nurseries.

"If Sandymoor Pre-School closes it will have a direct impact on the staff who run it and to the vital funds raised which goes to the running of Sandymoor Community Hall.

"If licences are revoked due to noise complaints and if the pre-school is forced to close, then Sandymoor Community Hall will lose a huge amount of income which is essential to the hall’s existence."