A HAMPSHIRE community facility used by a pre-school and other organisations could close if plans for a massive rent rise are approved.

The annual cost of renting Hounsdown Hall in Hounsdown Avenue, Totton, is set to increase almost five-fold under proposals put forward by New Forest District Council.

Hounsdown Community Association (HCA) fears for its future after being told the sum could jump from £1,600 to £8,500.

The amount paid by HCA will depend on how much of the proposed increase is passed on by the town council, which rents the land from the larger authority.

David Harrison, a member of both councils, raised the issue at a meeting of the town council.

Cllr Harrison, a Liberal Democrat, said: “I told Conservative councillors I was deeply shocked by the demand and reminded them what an important role the association plays.

“Ironically the Tories had just listened to a presentation from a local vicar who talked about the importance of community hubs in tackling isolation.”

Town clerk Derek Biggs said the council had already raised its concerns with the district council. He added that round table talks involving both authorities and the community association would take place in a bid to resolve the issue.

HCA members gathered outside the 30-year-old hall on Saturday to voice their dismay at the proposed rent rise.

Hounsdown Hall is used by a large number of organisations, including a pre-school, a bird society and a gardening club. It is also serves as a venue for private parties and a workshop for people involved in Totton’s annual Christmas lantern parade.

The town council and the community association split the cost of the rent.

Caroline Rackham, a town councillor and chairman of the community association said: “The amount we’ll have to pay in the future depends on how much the town council has to pay the district and how much of the increase is passed on to us.

“We’ve got reserves but in two years’ time we could be in real trouble.”

Cllr Harrison added: “At this stage, proposed rent increase can best be described as a cause for grave concern rather than alarm.

“The district council needs to understand that charging rates of the order proposed will make community associations financially unviable.”

A council spokesman said: “We’re currently in negotiations with the town council regarding the lease for Hounsdown Hall and it would therefore not be appropriate to comment further.”