A village hall is set to undergo some major changes.

Cheshire East Council has granted permission for alterations and an extension at Daintry Hall in North Rode, along with a new pavilion.

The Grade II-listed building has been in 'decline' for some time, resulting in a drop in the number of users.

"Sadly, the condition of this much-loved hall and its facilities has been in decline for several years and it is no longer fit for community use," the application states.

"Its slate roofs require regular maintenance, some of its windows are rotten and are in the process of being replaced.

"Its general decor is tired; its kitchen and welfare facilities outdated, and its split-level floor arrangement does not provide for inclusive access for village or other events.

"In its current state, it does not attract new users and previously established users now go to other halls in the local area such as Eaton and Siddington Village Halls.

"Daintry Hall needs significant renovation and updating to be able it to continue to serve the local community and visitors to the village."

Plans were submitted to the council earlier this year (Credit: CEC)

Daintry Hall and the neighbouring St Michael's Church were commissioned by the Daintry family in the early 1830-40s.

The hall's main use was as a school up until July 3, 1998, when it was formerly closed.

In 1971 George Daintry gave the hall to the North Rode Parochial Church Council to be held in a charitable trust which is managed by Daintry Hall Management Committee.

Since then, it has been used for all manner of events, including as a prep school and more recently a day nursery.

In 2002, a strip of land to the west was purchased by the trust for the purpose of constructing a new village hall.

However, due to insufficient support from residents, this never panned out.

Following a 'substantial legacy from a local benefactor' in 2020, DHMC drew up plans to renovate and extend Daintry Hall.

The plans, which the committee submitted to the council earlier this year, include replacing the outdated kitchen and toilets and increasing the size of the main hall to accommodate up to 125 people.

Space will also be made to accommodate the day nursery, allowing for the removal of the temporary classroom.

As part of the project, a new one-storey pavilion will be constructed, along with parking, EV charging points and an external picnic and activity area.

This will serve as a bookable multiuse space for up to 35 people.

Cheshire East Council formally approved the plans on Tuesday, December 24.

In a report outlining the decision, case officer Melissa Martin said: "The proposals would in overall terms have a positive effect as they would ensure the listed building's long-term sustainable use as a key facility for the local community.

"The essential character of the building, as embodied in the original 1835-1858 structure and how it is publicly viewed, would remain, and the replacement of the present piecemeal modern buildings by the new extension represents an enhancement to the appearance of the rear of the site.

"The public benefits of the proposal are that the development would secure the future of the listed building and provide substantial benefits for the local community, economically, socially and environmentally."