FUNDRAISERS behind a community centre plan for Hatherleigh are confident that planning permission will be granted for a site which bridges old and new parts of the town.
Chairman of Hatherleigh Regeneration Committee, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Whiteley, said Hatherleigh was 'in dire need' of a community centre and gaining planning consent would be one step closer to it becoming a reality.
Funding sources are being looked into to raise the cash for the £500,000 project.
The committee has so far raised £11,000 from local events but it hopes that, with planning approval for a piece of land next to Hatherleigh Bowling Green, money from other sources, including the lottery, can be secured.
Lt Col Whiteley said: 'We have been looking for some time for a suitable site but we feel this one is ideal.
It is flat and attractive and is situated between the new housing estates and the old town, so it is accessible to everybody in Hatherleigh.
'It is an exciting time for the committee and we are optimistic that we will get a new hall and community centre.
'I would hope to see the first sod being turned by January 1 next year.'
He said the present town hall had met the needs of the community wonderfully in the past but it was getting very old and was too small for many activities especially sports.
'To bring the hall up to a reasonable standard, it would cost just under £400,000,' he said. 'Its location is also a nightmare for cars going in and out.'
Lt Col Whiteley said the project would include a venue for wedding receptions and parties, a hall for sports, a stage for local and visiting theatre companies and, hopefully, an adventure playground for the children.
With the agricultural situation as it was and the loss of a major culling contract at West Devon Meat in Hatherleigh resulting in redundancies, a piece of good news would be welcome for the town he added.
'I would be bitterly disappointed if we did not get this community centre and I do not see any reason why we will not.'
Hatherleigh Town Council has submitted a planning application on behalf of the regeneration committee and the land has been promised for sale if the plan is granted approval by West Devon Borough Council.