Families, schools and sports clubs are celebrating after Councillors gave unanimous backing to the building of a new pavilion and café at Moormead park.

The Planning Committee rejected objections from officials and some neighbours to the approve the controversial scheme in St Margaret's.

The decision came after three hours of debate, which saw Councillors struggle to identify the 'Very Special Circumstances' required to justify allowing the building on what is effectively a Green belt site.

A succession of local Lib-Dem councillors joined head teachers and Sport Richmond in speaking up in favour of the new pavilion and café, which will replace a derelict building that, at one time, offered changing rooms.

They highlighted how it would also provide a hub for community groups, such as those supporting the elderly, and neighbourhood police teams.

More than 1,000 people submitted emails and letters supporting the scheme, however the proposal hung in the balance based on a planning officials report arguing it should be rejected.

One of the key benefits of the new building will be the provision of toilets open to the public and local primary schools who use Moormead for PE, art and science lessons.

The headteacher of St Stephens Primary, Elizabeth Bachour, who was speaking on behalf of five local schools, told the Committee, that the availability of toilets would make it much easier for classes to take place.

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"Many of the schools close to Moormead have very restricted small outdoor space which restricts our ability to deliver what is needed. We not only use it for PE but also for science and art," she said.

"However, there is always stress in taking our children to Moormead because of the lack of toilet facilities. Indeed we often restrict visits from our youngest pupils for this particular reason

"I know from my experience how these new facilities will make a difference to the all the community… allowing all the children to take advantage of our wonderful park."

The chairman of Sport Richmond, Andy Sutch, said the new building would make it easier for youngsters to use Moormead for sport and exercise, so encouraging healthy lifestyles and combat obesity.

Theresa Williamson, of HANDS - Help A Neighbour in Distress Scheme – said the provision of toilets and a café could offer a lifeline for elderly people, giving them an opportunity to meet new people and take walks.

"This will be a wonderful facility which our charity would use to the benefit of our clients. We have lacked somewhere at the heart of our community which offers both indoor shelter and access to outside space," she said.

"It would not only improve their quality of life but also physical and mental health."

The group behind the scheme, Moormead Community & Sports Pavilion, said the scheme had been through four major redesigns in order to meet the concerns of neighbours. These include incorporating a number of 'green' initiatives, such as adopting a 'meadow roof'.

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Planning officials said the new building, which is predominantly a café and kiosk, would a reduce sporting facilities compared to the original 'vintage' pavilion. They also challenged the size of the new building on what is, effectively, a protected site.

Critics challenged the need for the new building arguing it was simply a case of 'vain consumerism' and a 'need to buy a coffee from a shiny new building'.

They also questioned the viability for the café, which, in theory, will be open throughout the year.

Councillors were warned by officials that they could not overturn planning rules designed to protect Green Belt land simply because it is popular.

As a result, they justified the decision to allow the scheme on the basis of the significant role it will play in supporting sporting activities, community groups, health and well-being. They also argued the building itself was not likely to cause substantial harm.

The Council and Committee have a large Lib-Dem majority, whose councillors enthusiastically support the scheme. A Conservative and Green councillor also voted in favour.

Lib-Dem, Cllr Richard Pyne said: "We have heard from residents, from their councillors, from the infant school, and from a community group helping the elderly about the compelling benefits of getting this application approved and a new building installed.

"And having a café there with the resultant addition of a toilet, which makes it possible both for infants and elderly people to make use of this park.

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"This is a building is an ugly building that has been empty for years and, frankly, I really admire the community group for sticking with this after a fourth redesign.

"I think they, and the local residents, are showing immense patience … Now it has come before this planning committee, I think the reasons for approval are absolutely overwhelming."