Planning permission has been secured on behalf of Church Stretton Town Council for the provision of an innovative new sports facility in Church Stretton, Shropshire, including a new sports pavilion at Brooksbury Recreation Ground and improved sports pitches.

The existing pavilion, which is over 50 years old, is being replaced with a new building which utilises sustainable principles and green technologies to ensure that it fits in with the stunning location, which has been designated an area of natural outstanding beauty.

The eagerly anticipated project will provide new facilities to five football clubs and one cricket club, as well as providing much needed facilities for other community groups and users of the recreation ground.

The innovative and sustainable design of the pavilion, which has been designed by Shrewsbury based architects Baart Harries Newall, facilitates natural light and ventilation. It also features a timber framed "carbon-neutral" construction and uses rainwater harvesting, solar panelling, ground source heat pumps and a sustainable drainage system.

As well as conserving the natural environment and its resources the new facility will diversify and strengthen the local economy and provide services to meet the needs of the community.

Sports Solutions GB are overseeing the project, managing the scheme's development from its inception, and now successfully having secured planning permission will focus on working with Church Stretton Town Council and the sports clubs to secure the funding required to deliver the project.