PLANS to extend St John’s Community Centre in Penistone have been approved by Barnsley Council’s planning board.
An application to demolish existing outbuildings and replace them with two new extensions were originally submitted in February.
The plans, for the site on Church Street, were approved last week.
A report states: “Penistone is a historic market town which has its main retail and service offer concentrated on Market Street which is further enhanced by the new Market Hall and Tesco supermarket.
“The overall vitality and viability is much better than average.
“Aims for the future of Penistone are to improve the availability of leisure, cultural and entertainment activities, and to improve car parking and movement for pedestrians, cyclists and the disabled.
“Since the potential for expansion in Penistone has already taken place with the recent Tesco supermarket, the strategic direction for Penistone is to intensify within its existing boundaries.
“Extensions and alterations to community facilities are considered acceptable.”
Penistone West’s Coun Hannah Kitching added: “This is a well-used facility but it’s a decision that’s fully backed by Penistone Town Council.
“It’s had asbestos issues and its boiler broke last winter, so it’s a welcome and long overdue thing which we support.”
