Replacement Scout Hut at Scout Head Quarters, Cheltenham

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing building and erecting a replacement Scout Hut with a larger, L-shaped footprint.

“DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL 1.1 The site comprises a parcel of land on the western side of Leckhampton Road at the foot of Leckhampton Hill, close to the junction with Old Bath Road; and outside of, but adjacent to, the Cotswolds National Landscape (AONB) to the south. To the north and west, the site lies to the rear of residential properties in Leckhampton Views and Leckhampton Rise. The site is located in Flood Zone 1.”

“Local design requirements for development proposals are set out in CP policy D1 and JCS policy SD4 which highlight the need for new development to respond positively to, and respect the character of, the site and its surroundings. The proposed replacement hut will be similarly located within the site, albeit adopt a larger, L-shaped, footprint.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Permission for a replacement Scout Hut was granted in 2014 but expired without being implemented; earlier permissions covered storage and recreation use.

“Planning permission for a replacement Scout Hut was previously granted in 2014 (ref. 13/02138/FUL); however, the permission was not implemented and has since expired. CONSTRAINTS AND RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY”

“13/02138/FUL PERMIT 13th February 2014 New Scout Hut for the 24th Cheltenham (Leckhampton) Scouts to replace the existing dilapidated Scout Hut…”

Officer report

Public comments

There were 36 representations: eight objections, 27 supporting comments and one general comment, covering noise, privacy, access, drainage and community value.

“Letters of notification were sent to 14 neighbouring properties, and a site notice posted. In response to the publicity, 36 representations have been received; 8 in objection, 27 in support and 1 general comment. The comments have been circulated in full to Members but are summarised below.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A neighbour spoke against the application, while a resident who was also a scout trustee and parent spoke in support.

Members’ discussion

Members considered the report balanced and found no planning grounds for refusal, while emphasising the importance of scouting and community facilities.

“Members made the following comments: - the report is balanced, reasonable and rational, and there are no planning grounds to refuse the application; - the importance of the scout movement cannot be overstated, with children and young people on the streets susceptible to crime, and a lack of third party community spaces in the town.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was permitted subject to conditions.

“25/00788/FUL - Scout Head Quarters, 207 Leckhampton Road, Cheltenham, GL53 0AL The officer introduced the application as set out in her report, recommending that permission be granted, subject to conditions. The Chair repeated his concern that the Member who called the application in to committee wasn’t in attendance. Public speakers Neighbour, in objection…”

“The neighbour began by saying that he and other neighbours whose properties back onto the site have no objection to a new scout hut, recognising that the current building is outdated and needs replacing.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

Conditions covered construction management, landscaping, ecological enhancements, external lighting and air-source heat-pump details.

“Prior to the commencement of development, including demolition, a Construction Method Statement shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved method statement shall be adhered to throughout the development process and shall, where necessary: i) specify the type and number of vehicles expected during the construction of the development; ii) allocate space for the parking of vehicles for site operatives and visitors; iii)…”

“Prior to the installation of any external lighting, details shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The details shall include a lux level contour plan, and seek to ensure no light spill outside of the site boundaries.”

Officer report