Plans have been approved for a single-storey extension alongside one of Twyford’s most historic buildings.
The application for the extension to Twyford Snooker Hall on Wargrave Road, within the Twyford Village Conservation Area, is to enable an additional snooker table to be accommodated.
The building was built in 1853 as a Wesleyan Chapel and was used for that purpose for more than 50 years.
Following World War 1, in 1919 the then vicar donated the hall to the men of Twyford who had served during the conflict. That gift is commemorated by a marble mosaic tablet within the club. The hall served as a centre for the returning soldiers who could pass the time reading, playing bagatelle, draughts and dominoes, and eventually snooker.
There were also boxing tournaments, and the club welcomed other groups for other uses over the years – including a ‘drop-in’ centre for Age Concern.
The snooker club, which currently has a waiting list for membership, is responsible for maintenance of the building.
The application said: “The proposed development is for a small extension to the side of the building, to enable the internal space to accommodate a third snooker table, increasing the capacity for members.
“This will increase the long-term viability of the club, and support the cost of ongoing building maintenance.”
The plans were supported by Twyford Parish Council, who said: “Although this building is in the conservation area and the proposed plans make a visual change to the exterior appearance we consider this to be very acceptable.”
The plans were approved by Wokingham Borough Council on May 10.
