IT’S all systems go for a much-needed new pavilion for Fernhurst after South Down National Park authority approved plans for a refurbished and extended facility on Monday.

A fundraising campaign – Pavilion 2022 – was launched in May 2017 to expand the building to meet a major increase in usage by cricket, football and tennis clubs.

The number of young players has risen in particular, meaning the existing pavilion, which dates from 1971, isn’t fit for purpose.

The fundraising target by 2022 is £500,000 for the major revamp and expansion proposed.

Welcoming this week’s news, Graham Heath, of Fernhurst Recreation Ground, said: “Having planning permission approved is fantastic news, a major milestone for the project.

“Now we can start talking in earnest with sport governing bodies, local government and other possible benefactors while continuing with the fundraising events we have planned, including the Blackdown Hill Challenge, celebrity cricket match and barn dance.”

Trustee Bill Gourlay, who leads the design team, added: “Our revised design still manages to meet our primary objectives and will allow different events to smoothly take place at the same time.

“We’re very excited to have successfully worked with the South Downs National Park planning authority to deliver this design.

“Given that we sit in a conservation area it was essential to take a sympathetic approach to our surroundings, with a building that would fit beautifully into our quintessential village green setting.

“We’re only part of the way there, and it’s essential to remember that we, the community, will still need to raise the bulk of the funds ourselves.

“We hope the members of the sports clubs, and the broader village, will throw their weight behind the events that are being organised to raise the money we need.”

The plan was developed with sport facilities experts Sports Clubhouses and the scheme will provide modern changing and social facilities needed to support more than 800 members of sports and leisure clubs.

The designs were drawn up over many months by Fernhurst Recreation Ground Trust in conjunction with the village football, cricket, tennis and stoolball clubs.

Shortly after submission, Fernhurst’s application received a ringing endorsement from the High Sheriff of West Sussex Caroline Nicholls, Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex Neil Hart and ward district councillor Norma Graves.

Mrs Nicholls said: “To go from 80 to 800 members across all the clubs, with 300 juniors, proves Fernhurst Rec really is a hub of the local community.”