AN ambitious village ‘masterplan’ for Levens has taken a huge step forward with the submission of six planning applications.

If successful, the proposals could finally see a new village hall built following a campaign by residents going back to 1968.

The site of the current Village Institute would also be redeveloped to create three affordable homes for the village.

Outline planning applications have also been submitted to South Lakeland District Council for four residential sites – it is hoped potential developments at Sizergh Fell and Cotes, known as ‘phase one’, would provide the funding for the Village Hall and Institute.

Allotment sites at Church Hill and Underhill form ‘phase two’ and would be developed once alternative locations have been approved for the displaced allotments.

In total, the village masterplan would provide 21 new residential properties in the village, of which seven would be constructed as affordable homes.

The site identified for the new village hall is a former quarry site adjacent to St john's Parish Church.

Planning documents state that the institute is currently used as a village meeting room and adds: “Unfortunately, the Institute building is no longer large enough to accommodate the range of communal activities which the village require.

“With an additional 50 new houses on Greengate, and a potential further 21 dwellings as part of the village masterplan, there is clearly a need for larger facilities suited to present day needs.

“In addition the present building has inherent damp problems as the lower floor of the bank barn has proved difficult to waterproof.”

Levens parish councillors Roger Mason and Helen Burrow have been the driving forces behind the ambitious plan.

“It has been a long process and it’s been quite an arduous process because as an LA8 postcode we’re not eligible for Lottery funding, so we’ve had to come up with other ways to raise funds," said Mrs Burrow.

“The masterplan is fantastic –one thing hinges into another and the first stage is getting planning permission.

“I think it’s a very exciting move, and if it comes off I think it will be fantastic for the village.”