AMBITIOUS plans have been unveiled to build a new sporting clubhouse in Wotton.

Wotton Community Sports Foundation has applied to Stroud District Council for planning permission to construct a single storey clubhouse as well as a new football pitch. 

Organisers have described their new proposed facilities as “game-changing”. 

The proposed clubhouse - known as New Barn - includes a cafe area with an office, gender neutral and accessible toilets, two meeting rooms and a new changing block. 

The WCSF charity group, which was founded 23 years ago, has been campaigning and fundraising to revamp its site on New Road and has raised more than £2 million in donations so far.

Currently its 38-acre site near Katharine Lady Berkeley's is home to numerous sporting teams such as Wotton Hockey Club, Wotton Rovers, Wotton Rugby Club as well as groups such as the parkrun. 

Gazette Series: An artist's impression of the new clubhouse, known as New Barn An artist's impression of the new clubhouse, known as New Barn (Image: Wotton Community Sports Foundation)

However, the site's facilities are in need of an upgrade; there is currently no running tap water and only one portable toilet. 

The new changing block would include a physio room, two officials changing rooms as well as four changing rooms with showers. 

A spokesperson for WCSF told the Gazette: “The New Barn will provide a home for all our sports and community groups who are already using the PARC. 

“Currently we manage all this activity with very little on site facilities. 

“It will also provide them opportunities to expand as well as creating opportunities for new activities.

Gazette Series: The site known as Wotton Community PARC on New Road currently has multiple football pitches, a BMX track, a skatepark and a rugby pitchThe site known as Wotton Community PARC on New Road currently has multiple football pitches, a BMX track, a skatepark and a rugby pitch (Image: Wotton Community Sports Foundation)

"Our new single story building will provide level access into all areas and include a changing room and an accessible WC, gender neutral and accessible toilets and showers in our changing rooms. 

“We have raised over £2M since the PARC was created and constructed the all weather pitch, 3G football pitch, safe path, BMX track, skatepark, rugby pitch, two grass football pitches, orchard and the sensory garden. 

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“We will be exploring all options to limit energy use and reduce energy consumption to make our building as environmentally sustainable and economically viable for future use."

Other proposals in the application includes erecting new equipment storage containers and associated vehicular and pedestrian circulation routes within the site.

Gazette Series: Wotton Community Sports Foundation was awarded a £100k grant by Persimmon Homes Severn Valley last year Wotton Community Sports Foundation was awarded a £100k grant by Persimmon Homes Severn Valley last year (Image: Wotton Community Sports Foundation)

The group also has ideas to expand the use of the site including Boules courts, a children’s play area and a MUGA court. 

SDC recently announced that it would contribute £75,000 to the New Barn project through its Community Infrastructure Levy grant.

The group says they are always looking for new volunteers to join the team. 

If you want to join Wotton Community Sports Foundation you can contact them via their website at wcsf.org.uk

The application can be viewed at www.stroud.gov.uk/planning via S.22/2756/FUL