OPPOSITION is growing to plans for a new scout hut in Benson.

Almost 20 residents of roads next to the prospective site in Bertie West Field have commented on the parish council’s application for outline planning permission. Opponents claim the development would lead to more traffic and there would be access problems.

The council has said people would reach the hut on foot from the Littleworth Path and parking in Littleworth Road would be discouraged.

Andrew Blizard, of Horseshoes Lane, called for a public meeting to be held for residents of Horseshoes Lane, Oxford Road, Littleworth Road and Old British School Lane.

He described the size of the proposed building as “excessive” and said that if planning permission was granted then parking in Horseshoes Lane should be available only to residents.


Andrew and Sarah Stuart, also of Horseshoes Lane, called the plans “illogical and unnecessary”.

They said: “All potential uses for the site are not being considered and decisions are/will be made without wider consultation.

“Surely the money would be better spent renovating/altering some of the other facilities to provide the facility for youngsters in the village.”

Neighbours Janet Worroll and Robert and Rosemary Fastnedge said the existing scout hut in Littleworth Road should be repaired or rebuilt, saying it had good access and parking.

It has also been suggested that the development would be in breach of the condition by which the land was left to the parish by Bertie West as a children’s playground.

One corner of the field is currently used as allotments by Benson Primary School and the village scouts occasionally use the field for camping trips.

Council chairman Jon Fowler said: “The parish council is very keen to see this piece of land, which was bequeathed to the council many years ago, brought back into use in order to benefit the children of the village, as was the intention of Bertie West.

“The council is aware of the concerns voiced by residents of Horseshoes Lane and is very happy to work with them to address their concerns.”

Alison Wood, who chairs the village’s scout group, said a new hut was necessary as the scouts were oversubscribed and the existing building was not fit for purpose.

Earlier this month, councillors agreed to create an additional place on the Bertie West Field working group for a resident of Horseshoes Lane. A resident of Littleworth Road already sits on the group.

Published 19/11/12