PLANS for a much-needed new pavilion in Liss will be put before residents at the next Community Forum to be held in Petersfield.

Liss Parish Council’s current approach to providing a replacement for the dilapidated pavilion will be discussed at the next forum.

The new building, which is likely to be timber-framed and compatible with its setting in West Liss Recreation Ground, will provide much needed additional facilities for community groups and sports clubs.

During the meeting, to be held on Tuesday, January 24, at Penns Place, Petersfield, Liss Parish Council will ask for £40,000 of developer contributions, currently earmarked for a skatepark in the village, and use it to help fund the pavilion.

Plans for the skatepark were abandoned by Liss Parish Council in 2014.

It is hoped the project will be funded from Liss Parish Council reserves, a loan from the Public Works Loan Board – to be repaid through an increase in the village precept over the next 20 years – and other, smaller grants.

The current pavilion is without heating and other essential services. A planning application for its replacement is expected to be submitted in due course.

Alongside the pavilion the forum will also discuss the Liss Neighbourhood Plan.

The plan has gone to the South Downs National Park Authority, which is running a public consultation until February 10. At the forum the plan will be described in detail, giving residents the chance to influence planning in the village for the next decade and beyond.

Once the public consultation period is finished it is hoped the plan will go to a vote with a referendum among Liss residents later in the year.

The Community Forum will be held at 6.30pm on Tuesday, January 24, at the Council Chamber, Penns Place, Petersfield.

Cllr Ben Bentley, chairman of the Community Forum, said: “Liss Pavilion is a much-needed facility for the village and always generates a lot of interest.

“The latest plans look to accommodate a lot of the concerns residents previously had while still providing the modern facility Liss needs.

“I would urge Liss residents to come along to the forum and find out about the pavilion plans and talk to the people behind the scheme.

“You will also be able to hear about the Liss Neighbourhood Plan as that goes to consultation.”