Stroud News and Journal:

PLANS are underway for a replacement scout hut for Stroud Valley, which will involve the demolition of several buildings and the refurbishment of the current Grade II listed base.

The current ‘explorers den’ in Hollow Lane is no longer fit for purpose for the Stroud Valley Scouts, due to damp and a lack of natural light and storage facilities.

Acting Stroud Valley Scouts group leader John Jones said: “We’re in a great location, with a wonderful green space out the back of the centre, so our plan is to build a new scouting and community centre, with improved kitchen, bathroom and hall facilities, which can be used not only by our uniformed groups, but other community groups as well.

“Once we get planning, then the hard work of fundraising for the new build will start.

“We would be pleased to hear from anyone who would like to help us with that mammoth task.”

The scouting centre is used by various organisations including Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, Explorers, local dance and music groups, young carers and the Marah Trust – totalling around 150 users a week.

Resident Susie Medley said: “The scouts definitely need a new hut but we are worried that the trees could suffer from the extensive rebuilding programme.”

The new centre will be more accessible for disabled people and will be built on the exact same footprint, following advice from Hillside Trees Ltd that expansion would prove an issue due to entrenched tree roots.

The current building has been in use since 1982 and the land is owned by the Scouting Association.

A spokesman for the architects, Millar + Howard Workshop, said: “We’ve loved working with the client to evolve the space into something that will be used to it’s full potential and can be enjoyed by locals and beyond for generations to come.”

Stroud District Council is expected to make a decision on the application for the new centre this month.