A BID has been unveiled to enhance a growing village community's hall.

Plans have been revealed to extend Plantation Hall in Heybridge.

A statement submitted with the plans says the village in Maldon is a growing community and in recent years the hall has become more and more used by the parish council as a base.

It provides office space for the clerk, a venue for council meetings as well as an interface with the community for a range of activities.

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The council's role in the community has grown so it says the facilities provided by the existing hall have come under "increasing strain".

The statement said: "With the growth of parish council activity this has resulted in congestion around the main entrance which is providing principal entrance and waiting area for multiple activities."

It is argued the extension to the building is therefore required to allow the council to properly deliver its services, and so the hall can function smoothly as a community centre.

The current floor area of the hall is 351 square metres and the proposed extension would add 43 square metres.

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These alterations include the redesign of the principal entrance and reception area.

Plantation Hall was built in about 1998 on King George V playing fields in the village.

Since its original construction the hall has been extended twice, and if approved this third extension will provide improved lobby and reception facilities.

The council plans to continue the existing materials and detailing with the new extension.