To improve facilities for users of Anstey Community Hall and to protect the hall for the future, planning approval was obtained to add an extension to improve the bar facilities and provide additional space that can be used for meetings or as a skittle alley. Changes have been made to the original plans for the extension to make the build cost more affordable and applications for grant funding have been made. The Batsworthy Wind Farm Community Grant Fund has agreed a £70,000 grant which is being held until the end of August 2026. Other grants have been approved including a £15,000 grant from Sports England which has to be match funded.
The Anstey Community Hall Committee has approached East Anstey Parish Council for help in securing the £15,000 match funding which would allow the build to start and grant deadlines to be met. The longer it takes the build to start, the more costs will increase. As there are twice as many homes in East Anstey than in West Anstey it has been suggested that East Anstey should contribute £10,000, two thirds of the amount required. Options for raising the money include adding £10,000 to the precept for one year or borrow £10,000 as a Public Works Board Loan (PWBL) and repay it over ten years from the annual precept (the amount the Parish Council can request each year from North Devon Council and is included in your Council Tax)
West Anstey has a parish meeting rather than a Parish Council and is unable to borrow money. East Anstey Parish Council would need to borrow their £5,000 share and they would need to have an agreement to repay that.
To increase the precept by £10,000 for one year would cost a Band D (average) property £78.67. If your property is Band A, B or C it would be less and if it is Band E< F or G it would be more. A ten year PWBL of £10,000 would mean an increase of £10.20 per year for ten years for a Band D property.
East Anstey Parish Council would like to hear your views. The Council will be meeting on Wednesday 7th January 2026 at Anstey Community Hall starting at 7.30pm and you are invited to come and give your response. A decision will need to be made that evening as the Parish Council will also have to agree its budget and precept request for 2026 –2027 and any additional expenditure will need to be included.
Planning application 72436 – Extension to bar area. Location: Village Hall, West Anstey, South Molton, EX36 3NU. To see the plans click here
If you are unable to attend the meeting please email eastansteypc@yahoo.co.ukor write to the Clerk, Mrs Jill Larcombe, at the address above.