SPORTS provision on a village recreation ground looks set to go up a level with a proposed development.

Stoke St Gregory Playing Field management committee wants to knock down and replace the existing pavilion and also build an equipment store, new floodlit tennis courts, a multi-use games area (MUGA) and parking area.

A planning application for the scheme at the site off Willey Road has been submitted to Taunton Deane Borough Council.

The field is used for several sports, including cricket, football and tennis, and village activities, as well as containing a children's play area.

But the existing sports pavilion is seen as too small and there are no parking spaces, meaning vehicles are frequently driven across the grass.

The proposed new brick pavilion, which would meet Sport England requirements, would comprise a large tea/meeting room with kitchen, toilets and shower room, and separate changing rooms for officials and home and away teams.

A veranda would provide shelter for people during inclement weather and the store building would be sited to the rear.

A spokesman for the applicants said: "The new sports pavilion has been designed to sit sensitively in its surroundings and provides much needed improved facilities for the local community and should be supported by the local

authority."