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 more homes in East Anstey than in West Anstey it has been suggested that East Anstey should contribute £9,500. Anstey Community Hall Committee has asked East Anstey Parish Council to borrow £9,500 as a Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) 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)
A ten year PWLB loan of £9,500 would mean an increase of £9.69 per year for ten years for a Band D property. 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.