AN APPLICATION for a replacement pavilion in Liss has received planning permission.

The decision means the pavilion project has moved another crucial step forward.

The ambitious new-build project on West Liss playing field off Station Road is being overseen by Liss Parish Council and it’s hoped work will start later this year.

Liss Parish Council vice-chairman Keith Budden said: “It is great news that we’ve got planning permission and we can press ahead.

“It is also really pleasing that there are no particularly onerous conditions with the planning permission.

“It is frustrating that the pavilion project had so many setbacks in the past, but the positive is that nothing can now take us by surprise.

“I must say I feel more positive now than I have for a long time as this is another hurdle out of the way.”

The next stage in the process is for the project to go out to tender, and this process has already begun.

Cllr Budden said: “The tenders have gone out to five selected potential builders, and we are due to hear back the estimates at the end of this month.

“Our architect, Michael Weakley, has picked builders who have worked on these sort of buildings before and are well aware of the funding restrictions.

“Michael has already helped deliver the building in South Wonston, so he’s done this before and for him this is a well-trodden path.

“Once we get all the tenders in a recommendation will be made to the council, and we will know precisely how much money we will need to borrow from the Public Works Loan Board.”

The parish council expects to borrow around £350,000 from the Public Works Loan Board, although this figure depends on the tender estimates.

However, the council will need to be given approval from village residents before it can receive the loan.

Cllr Budden added: “We will probably put the question in the Liss Village Voice, and we would need more than 50 per cent of those who respond to support us applying for the loan.

“Hopefully, the public will give us their approval and we can borrow the money and maybe start the work early in the summer.

“It’s all looking good now. Hopefully the process won’t take too long as the Scouts need the new building.

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“If we get approval for the loan, we can go into the scheme knowing we have got all the money we need and the builders can be content that they will be paid.”