PLANS have been lodged to build a new community facility and office at a park in Ulverston.

Ford Park Group has submitted a planning application to Westmorland and Furness Council to construct a community facility and an office for the charity in Ford Park.

A design and access statement says: “The proposal is for a new build community facility at the edge of the existing car park and staff offices nestled within woodland just off the car park area at Ford Park.

“The aim is to provide highly efficient, sustainable eco-buildings that will provide additional revenue streams for the community group by enabling larger indoor events to be held on site. The new purpose-built offices for the charity will free up valuable space within the existing Coach House.”

According to planning documents the proposed community hub will be the home of the Ford Park Community Group who work with youth groups in the area.

The design and access statement adds: “The new community centre will allow the community group to expand their offer to the community while also creating a community asset for Ulverston.

“The community centre will include an entrance, store, kitchen, WCs, and community meeting rooms/halls with the intention to create a community hub and improve the current facilities on the park.”

The charity group initially came together to rent the land and develop plans for Ford Park’s  restoration after a council announcement to sell it, before the charity secured a loan from the Architectural Heritage Fund to buy the park in 2005.

The park now hosts events such as the Lantern festival and Ulverston Carnival.

Planning documents state the proposed office will be built in the carpark area of the park and will provide enough space for up to five employees.

The design and access statement concludes: “This development will ensure the continued running of Ford Park for use by the local community and will be an asset for the people of Ulverston providing an upgraded facility that will serve them well for decades into the future.”

This planning application is currently undergoing public consultation.