Plans are underway for a village to have a new hall and play equipment in 2016.

The asbestos roof of Ridgewell Village Hall needs to be replaced, as well as work to make the more energy efficient.

Quantity surveyor firm Burr and Neve was appointed and architect Inkpen Downie selected to draw up a concept design.

It included a new roof, a second meeting room for added flexibility, improvements to the reception area and access to the building and an enlarged car park.

There are also plans to improve the sports equipment on the adjacent field, with a Family Inclusive Sports Area to provide facilities to play netball, tennis and football, together with play walls.

According to the chair of the Village Hall Management Committee, Nick Rouse, villagers gave the plans an “overwhelming thumbs up” at a consultation event on April 25.

Financial support has been given from Essex County Council’s Communities Initiatives Fund and the Awards for All programme of the National Lottery.

Mr Rouse said: “It is very difficult to get funding for paperwork exercises and Ridgewell is very grateful to these two grant providers for helping us to get this far.”

A formal planning application will now be submitted and, as long as the £400,000 for the hall project and £120,000 for the play equipment and FISA can be raised, building work is hoped to start in 2016.

The Hall Management Committee has already raised about £4,000 through a variety of events.

There are more events planned, including a farmer’s market on the second Saturday of each month, a frog racing evening on June 20 and a fashion show on September 12.

Full details can be found by searching for “Ridgewell Parish Council” on Facebook or visiting essexinfo.net/ridgewell-parish-council