The green light has been given to build 19 homes and a community centre in a Suffolk village.

With the closing of its church hall in 2008, Worlingham is thought to be the largest village in Suffolk without a community centre, pub, or meeting space.

But now that situation will change as the site of its former primary school is to have 19 homes and a community centre built on it.

Ten years ago Worlingham Primary School relocated from Rectory Lane to larger quarters on Garden Lane, previously home to Worlingham Middle School.

The land was transferred by Suffolk County Council to the Worlingham Community Facility Group which entered into a partnership with Badger Building (E.Anglia) Ltd.

The old primary school in the village near Beccles was then demolished.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Demolition work of the former school at the site of the new community centre and 19 new homes in 2013Demolition work of the former school at the site of the new community centre and 19 new homes in 2013 (Image: �archant2017)

Wendy Summerfield, chairman of the Worlingham Parish Council, said the village has been "crying out" for a community space.

She said: "The new community centre will benefit the village in many ways. Worlingham has been crying out for a community facility for far too long.

"In order to have the hall functioning as a multi-use facility, we are looking to equip it with a kitchen, bar, committee and meeting rooms, as well as a large hall for a variety of social and sporting functions."

"It is going to be a friendly environment for anyone who wants to use it, we have really ambitious plans, and cannot wait for developments to start."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: A birdseye view of the plans for the new community centre and 19 new homesA birdseye view of the plans for the new community centre and 19 new homes (Image: Badger)

The work is hoped to begin this summer, with a start date yet to be confirmed, leaving Mrs Summerfield "excited" about the development having overcome "many hurdles".

The parish chairman said: "We are all excited about the plans, and frankly a bit taken back because of all the hurdles we have had to overcome.

"In order to have the hall approved, there had to be houses built too.

"The issue of housing shortages is widespread, so this was part of the deal."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: An exterior drawing of the new Worlingham Community centre An exterior drawing of the new Worlingham Community centre (Image: Badger)

Beccles & Bungay Journal: A floor plan and exterior shot of plot five of the development plansA floor plan and exterior shot of plot five of the development plans (Image: Badger)

To view the plans see East Suffolk Council's planning portal and search reference: DC/23/0680/AME