FUNDRAISING for a new £1.2 million community hub in Raglan has begun after it received the go-ahead by county planners earlier this year.

The Raglan Village Hall Association (RVHA) has launched its first and largest funding bid for £499,000 to the Big Lottery Fund - almost half of the build’s estimated cost.

The group, which doubles as a registered charity working to improve community facilities in Raglan, submitted the application this month and a decision from the grant-giving organisation is expected in early 2018.

The aim of the hub, which will be built on the site of the former junior school, is to provide a “permanent, purpose-built” home for community activity in the village.

The project is three years into a six-year plan, with RVHA chair Chris Butler-Donnelly praising the efforts of partners and Monmouthshire County Council for their support.

“We are grateful to everyone for their enormous efforts in getting the Big Lottery Fund application in,” he said.

“It’s a long journey but we hope it’ll bring Raglan a step closer to having a purpose built community hub from which many services can be delivered.”

Volunteers from RVHA had previously secured £47,904 of Big Lottery funding for the hub planning and design process in 2016, with architects and local residents shaping the hub’s final design.

Architectural drawings feature a curved roof inspired by the agricultural barns in the area, with a modern split-level interior aiming to maximise space which can be used for a number of activities.

A application for full planning permission was lodged with the county council last year and was approved by its planning committee in June.

With the most recent funding application submitted, further submissions are planned to other potential funders - including the Welsh Government - to help make the project a reality.

Monmouthshire County Council are working in partnership with RVHA and have agreed to transfer the former school site to the voluntary group once all funding has been secured.

To volunteer with RVHA, or for more information, visit www.raglanvillagehall.org.uk or email info@raglanvillagehall.org.uk.