EDWALTON residents have welcomed plans for a new £700,000 sports pavilion.
The existing pavilion, on Alford Road playing fields, is to be demolished and a new one more than double the size built after planning consent was granted.
Notts County Council and the Football Association are contributing to the cost.
The pavilion has been used by Edwalton Football Club and the wider community since 1972, when it was built.
Tony Woods, of Melton Gardens, is treasurer of Edwalton Neighbourhood Council. "I've been pushing for this for some time," he said.
"I think it will be excellent. It should be a really good facility."
"We don't want it to just be a football place, though – it needs to be a community facility."
A council report revealed that one resident of neighbouring Firs Road had objected to the plans. "Whilst they have no objection to sports being played they are concerned that the pavilion could be open until 11 at night for social events."
The report, which outlines the reasons for granting permission, also said: "The existing pavilion is considered to be at the end of its useful life.
"The showers were decommissioned in 2008, there are no female toilets and facilities for users with disabilities are poor. It is unsuitable to meet the needs of those it serves."
The new building will incorporate an entrance lobby, changing rooms, toilets, a kitchen, a function hall, a reception office, a cleaner's room and various storage areas.
Brian Griffiths' 11-year-old grandson plays football on the fields and the pensioner lives just a few minutes away in Highgrove Gardens.
He said: "I'm all for it. They tend to not use it much as it stands. What's there does not have much use – it's quite small really.
"The playing fields are extremely busy, especially at weekends. The rebuilding is a good idea – it shows there is a commitment to the playing fields from the council."
Satish Beri, 24, of Longlands Drive said: "Edwalton will only be a better place for investment like this.
"We've got a good reputation for sport here, with the golf course as well, so any improvement to that is welcome.
"I used to use the pavilion for football and it really is the centre of local Saturday and Sunday football, so it's important.
"It's got to be a good thing."
Building work will not start at the site until drainage plans and details of the roofing have been approved.