If given the green light, the plans would see Harmans Water Library moved from its current location in The Square to the ground floor of Harmans Water Community Centre. This would mean it would grow in size by 50 per cent, while the first floor hall and roof of the community centre are also earmarked for refurbishment.

The inclusion of the plans in the council’s budget proposals follows a long campaign by Harmans Water ward councillors Chris Turrell and Trevor Kensall.

Cllr Kensall said: “It has long been our ambition to bring the hall back into community use. I look forward to community involvement in the hall and the new library. Anyone interested, please get in touch.” Cllr Chris Turrell added: “Funding from nearby development pays for the new library, and the present library will become another shop unit on a very successful parade. This provides further financial support for the scheme. The community centre roof badly needs repairs. The community gets its hall back into use. So, all in all, it’s a winning plan.” Businesses on the ground floor of the centre would not be affected by the changes.