A HAMPSHIRE village near Romsey has applied to build a community shed for men.
Maria Sadler, clerk of Wellow Parish Council, submitted the application for the building to be used as a workshop on Hatches Farm Sports Ground in Romsey Road, West Wellow.
The plan is for the building to become Wellow Mens Shed and would house tools, benches, workshop tools and machinery for use by shed members to repair, repurpose and manufacture new items as well as acting as a meeting point for retired people.
Wellow Men's Shed has signed a 25 year licence with Wellow Parish Council.
Men’s Sheds can be found across the country and are kitted out community spaces where men can enjoy practical hobbies.
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In the scheme's planning statement, it explained some of the history behind the idea. It said: “At a chance meeting between the UK Mens Shed association southern area rep and the chair of Wellow Parish Council the idea of a Mens Shed in Wellow was developed.
"Whilst there are Mens Sheds in Nursling and Romsey there was nothing to the northwest until one reaches Salisbury.
"It was felt that this area whilst not as densely populated as Nursling or Romsey still had a good proportion of retirees and more importantly a distinct lack of daytime facilities or activities for older age men and women.”
It added: “The proposed siting of the shed would be adjacent to the Wellow Football Club Pavilion.
"The proposed outbuildings would not look out of place in a countryside location due to its rural nature and its proximity to the similar looking football pavilion.
"The shed would be clad in the same composite cladding as the pavilion.”
For more information on the plans, search 24/01222/FULLS on Test Valley Borough Council's online planning portal.
The UK Men’s Sheds Association is a registered charity which encourages people to come together to make, repair and repurpose items, supporting projects in their local communities.
The goal is to improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness and combat social isolation.
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