PLANS for the refurbishment of Launceston Town Hall, which will include a new reception area and disabled toilets, were last Friday approved by the town council.

The plans will now be submitted to Cornwall Council's Planning Depar­t­­ment for consideration.

A flexible space for one or two conference rooms, with partition doors down the middle, has been included in the plans.

From the vestibule at the front of the hall, the council propose to create a new entrance into a new bar/reception area. At the back door of the kitchen, which will be halved in size, it is also hoped to create a new reception area which will have good disabled access.

A new glazed mono-pitch roof will replace the existing flat roof, and the existing block coverings will be demolished to reveal the existing stained glass windows. This will let more light into the reception area and hall.

There will be new disabled toilets and the existing toilet provision will be improved. Better heating and ventilation are also key parts of the plans.

The council have been working in conjunction with LADS (Launceston Amateur Dramatic Society) who are separately applying for funding to improve the stage area.

Town Clerk, Rita Skinner, said: "Between us we will end up with a wonderful facility for the community."

She added: "We hope that a lot of people will come and use the town hall again for private functions."

It is hoped the improved hall will be used to host a range of events including dances, dinners and conferences, as well as film nights. It is also planned to obtain a licence to hold civil wedding ceremonies.

The conservation officer has been involved in the discussions about the refurbishment of the hall and is understood to be happy with the plans, which now need to receive Listed Building Consent and planning permission from Cornwall Council.

In the meantime the town council are working with specialists on the plans for heating and ventilation for the hall, which will hopefully help cut carbon emissions and reduce heating bills.

Work is not expected to start on the refurbishment before February 2010.