By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to replace a scout hut on the outskirts of Cheltenham have been given the go-ahead amid concerns over noise and hopes “it won’t be a party venue”.
The 24th Cheltenham (Leckhampton) Scout Group has been granted permission to go ahead with the works.
The development is on their site on the western side of Leckhampton Road at the foot of Leckhampton Hill, close to the junction with Old Bath Road.
Their plans include the demolition of the existing Scout Hut which is single storey, and faced in brick with a pitched corrugated sheet roof, and metal framed windows.
The proposals were debated by Cheltenham Borough Council’s planning committee last night (August 21).
During the meeting, Martin Garside, an objector, raised concerns about the possibility of evening events taking place at the new hut.
He said: “There’s no objection to a new scout hut per se. The present building is dilapidated and needs replacing.
“However, residents have raised concerns relating to the potential for increased noise and disruption.
“And the siting of the proposed new structure. As we’ve seen from the plans put on screen, this building is substantially larger than what it replaces.
“Initially, the planning consultants stated that the intensity of its use will not increase.
“However, the Scout trustees in their comment planning subsequently said ‘that while the hut will remain first and foremost a scouting center, we do anticipate that the new hut will see higher levels of usage.
“’The enhanced facility will enable us to support more inclusive youth programs and offer space to local organizations who lack suitable venues’.
“I hope that doesn’t mean party venues.”
Kerry Conway, a Scout trustee, told the meeting that the development has a lot of community support.
He said they have sought to be a good neighbour and the height of the new building will only be 20cm taller than the current hut.
“We see this as a necessary development to continue a valuable service,” he said.
“We like to believe we have been a responsible neighbour and will continue to be one.
“We see this as a proposal commanding broad support”.
Councillors were completely in agreement with the officer’s recommendations to approve the proposals.
They voted unanimously to grant permission.