Replacement scout hut at Birtley Boy Scouts Scout Hut, Birtley

“Planning permission is sought for the demolition of the existing scout hut and ancillary building at the site and for the hut’s replacement.”

“The replacement scout hut is proposed to be of single storey with a pitched roof and would measure approximately 189 sqm floor space, an increase in 33 sqm floor space on the original building The increased footprint of the building would allow for the provision of kitchen and toilet facilities into the main hut. It is proposed that the new hut measures a ridge height of 3.3m.”

“The site is the headquarters of 5 th Birtley Scouts, located in Birtley and accessed from Ruskin Road. The site is home to an existing single storey scout hut and ancillary building. The existing hut has a pitched roof and measures approximately 156 sq. m.”

“The existing hut is located within grassed grounds and surrounded by mature trees, and residential dwellings at Ruskin Road. The site is fenced off by security fencing. Space for parking is available behind the gated access.”

“DC/24/00769/TREE: Permission granted to fell three trees at the site on 30/09/24 due to their impact on adjoining private property.”

“Planning decisions must be made in accordance with the development plan for the area unless material considerations indicate otherwise. In this case, the development would provide improved facilities for the existing scouting activities at the site. This is positive because the development would allow for the continuation of community needs to be met in accordance with the NPPF’s social objective and development plan policy MSGP40.”

“Having regard to the development plan as a whole, the scheme is acceptably designed and would not result in undue harm to residential or visual amenity, heritage considerations, ecology, environmental health and highway safety. The application is therefore recommended for approval in accordance with relevant conditions.”

“Northumbrian Water Northumbrian Water have been consulted on the application and have confirmed they do not wish to make comments…”

“Highway safety: Increased vehicle movements during and after construction; need for traffic/parking management during drop off and pick up times; speeding vehicles; Inadequate and inconsiderate car parking • Noise • Harm to conservation area and general visual amenity • Potential vandalism • Which local groups would be using the venue?”

“Speakers and details of any additional information submitted:”

“A verbal update was given to clarify that in para 1.4 it should have said that the site is at a higher (not lower) level than Durham Road.”

“That permission be GRANTED subject to the following condition(s) and that the Service Director of Climate Change, Compliance, Planning and Transport be authorised to add, vary and amend the planning conditions as necessary with the addition of a construction management plan inclusive of demolition and construction related vehicle movements and parking arrangements.”

“Demolition and construction working hours…”

“Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved, an Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The statement shall include details of: a. construction methods in proximity to retained trees; b. site access arrangements; c. storage of plant, equipment and materials; and d. supervision arrangements by an arboricultural consultant where works occur near retained trees.”