Please note that this communication represents the views of the Scouting Group, which they have asked me to circulate. Kevin

New Scouting HQ Plans

Mis-information, containing as it does statements which are either inaccurate, misleading or both, is being circulated regarding the application for planning consent made for a new Scouting HQ on the land adjacent to the allotment gardens on Moorfield Road, Duxford.

We would like to take this opportunity to differentiate fact from fiction.

'The change involves complete demolition of the current scout hut and replacement with a larger lobby and service area'.

 The current scout hut has a footprint of 132 sq.m. excluding the service area. The lobby area now proposed has a footprint of 156 sq.m. including the service area. On a building 12m wide that's just 2m more on the length and with the service area included.

'The overall plan envisages a very much larger building than the current scout hut (twice as high and three times as long) with two storeys'. Firstly, comparison with the existing scout hut is a red herring. Please note the following :

       The overall footprint of the buildings for which planning consent has been obtained is 372 sq.m. This being 17m at it's widest point x 28m long. The footprint of the building now proposed is 396sq.m. This being 12m wide x 33m long. However the scheme for which we have planning consent included a store and hardstanding for future development. When these are taken into account the current application is actually 6 sq.m. smaller than the scheme for which we have planning consent.
       The ridge height of the building for which planning consent has been obtained and the ridge height of the building now proposed is unchanged at 6.5m. However the effective height of the building is actually now lower as the height of the supporting raft has been reduced.
       The building now proposed is not a two storey building. It is a single storey building with a mezzanine floor in part of it and, as detailed above, the ridge height has actually been lowered!

'It seems likely that the construction works will impact on allotments'. Any additional impact on the allotments due to construction works is unlikely as it is similarly unlikely that there will be any significant, additional construction works.

On our part there is no deceit. There is no hidden agenda. The Scout Group has legitimately occupied it's current site since 1989. With over 29 leaders and 130 young people in the Scout Group, an Explorer Unit of over 20 and a waiting list of over 20 we urgently need more space and better facilities now. Inadequate storage, a tiny kitchen and a single toilet shared between both sexes, adults and children alike are simply not acceptable in the 21st Century. Take note.

       We already have planning consent
       We have already raised sufficient funds
       Our new Scouting HQ WILL be built

We just want to make improvements to the facilities we can offer within our HQ. As the Chief Scout, Bear Grylls says :

'Every child has the right to an adventure' It is our aim to uphold this right

The 1st Whittlesford & Duxford Scout Group Serving the communities of Duxford, Hinxton, Ickleton, Thriplow & Whittlesford since 1912