The Memorial Hall, a former World War One army barracks, has served Bucknell since 1922 after being built by local joiners. However, the building does not meet modern standards, is expensive to run and very difficult to maintain. There are also many site constraints preventing any future development due to it sitting between St Mary’s CofE Primary School and the extension of the church’s graveyard.
Planning approval was granted for a new village hall in 2011 but the scheme was never implemented, and the existing memorial hall has continued to be used. However, Bedstone and Bucknell Parish Council has found a new site in Daffodil Lane, opposite the village playing field. “The fundamental principle of the development is to provide a multi functional, flexible space to sustain Bucknell’s growing population.
The new village hall will provide additional accommodation (e.g. a secondary hall, office/commercial spaces, a less formal sitting area and formally landscaped outdoor areas) that the current Memorial Hall simply cannot provide," reads a design and access statement submitted by Prince Architects.
The proposal gained a mixed view of responses, with 20 people supporting it and 18 objecting to the plans. “The new village hall will create an inviting space for all areas of the village community, from the very young to the elderly. It is within walking distance for many of the villagers but there will also be parking for those who are unable to walk, therefore including .
