By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to demolish a scout hut and build a new one on green belt land have been approved by councillors who went against advice from planning officers.
Newark and Sherwood District Council has given permission for the application for the Hoveringham Activity Centre on Thurgarton Lane.
The current building was granted consent in 2016 to be used by the Scout Association for water sports on the lake.
But one councillor described the current building as “little more than a shipping container” during a planning meeting on April 20.
The building is used to provide water sports, outdoor activities and training for young people aged six to 18.
In 2022, plans for the demolition and replacement building were rejected due to the site being on green belt land.
Applicant Nottinghamshire County Scouts then submitted revised plans which were passed at the authority’s planning committee on April 20.
The proposals for the new building include a meeting space, segregated youth, adult and inclusive changing and showering facilities, toilets, a kitchen and a small office. The plans were approved with one vote against.
Councillors questioned why the authority’s officers recommended the plans should be rejected in initial reports.
Sue Saddington (Con) said: “I can’t think of a more appropriate place for this building to be situated.
“It’s in the countryside, it gives pleasure to young people while they learn at the same time.
“I can’t for the life of my think why the planning department don’t think this is suitable.”
Cllr Roger Jackson (Con), ward member for the area, said: “For these children, it’s a chance for them to come to the countryside and take part in water sports.
“At the moment they are changing outside in tents.
“It’s only fit and proper that in this day and age, we allow for proper changing and sanitary facilities.
“If there’s one thing that is appropriate in the green belt it is a leisure facility for young children.
“We need some common sense and compassion.”
Cllr Penny Rainbow (Con) added: “They need this new area for safeguarding reasons.
“At the moment their facility is little more than a shipping container. In 2023, this shouldn’t be allowed.”
But Cllr Yvonne Woodhead (Lab) said it was a “difficult decision”.
She said: “I do support the scouts and guides.
“At the same time, I have fought to protect the green belt, especially in my ward.
“I feel that if I’m going to protect the greenbelt in my ward I have to protect the green belt wherever it is.
“It’s for that that I will be voting with the officer’s recommendation.”
“The quality of our provision will be significantly improved at the current participant levels and it will be practical to offer enhanced training activities during our period of limited water use from October to March”, the applicant said.
In recommending a rejection, the original report prepared by council planning officers said: “The proposed development would represent inappropriate development in greenbelt which by definition is harmful.
“The development would impose harm to the openness of green belt.
“Very special, specific circumstances to outweigh this harm have not been
presented and therefore the development is recommended for refusal.”
