A new chapter for Buxted Scouts
Buxted Scouts are excited to finally share plans with the local community for replacing our hut.
Our current home was a former army barrack hut inherited in the 1960s. Despite our best efforts at maintaining it, it is cold, damp and expensive to run. It is also pretty small by scout hut standards.
We are now one step closer to our dream of a new building with flexible space for scout meetings and community events. The proposed design for a larger building will enable us to expand our group, as well as offer space for use by the wider Buxted Parish community.
The building will incorporate a larger main hall and separate meeting room for break out sessions. Energy efficiency is key, with modern insulation, air source heat pump, solar panels, and battery storage. Landscaping of the driveway and surrounding area is included in the budget, ensuring that the exterior blends in with Buxted Medical Centre and improves the site overall.
More storage for our significant amount of kit was another priority in the new design. A much larger store with roller shutter access will mean we can finally access our kit without risk of being flattened by toppling stacks of boxes.
Inclusivity is a core belief of scouts, and our new building will be fully wheel-chair accessible with a disabled WC, and enhanced video conferencing for members who are unable to join us in person.
The money to pay for all of this will come from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund – available specifically for construction projects to increase the provision of activities for young people. By allowing us to expand our group, this funding will not only mean more local young people can enjoy the benefits of scouting, but the whole community will ultimately benefit from having more of its young people involved in scouting.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity – but the fund is heavily over-subscribed and time-limited, so we need our plans approved as quickly as possible, both to secure the funding and to guarantee the project is completed on time
We are pleased to announce the support of our leaseholder, the Ionides Trust, who have responsibility for ensuring it is used for the benefit of the community. We look forward to partnering with them closely on the project going forward.
Our planning application has been submitted to Wealden District Council under application number WD/2023/1043/F. Please visit the application to lend your support.
