SIDMOUTH’S scouts, cubs and beavers will be handed a brand new home if a planning application is successful.

SIDMOUTH’S scouts, cubs and beavers will be handed a brand new home if a planning application is successful.

The 1st Sid Vale Scout Group hope moving from their current base to a purpose built hub at Salcombe Regis Recreational Field will help cut down a waiting list of 50 hopeful youngsters.

Plans for a new headquarters label the group’s current premises in Manor Road as “unsuitable, too small and without disabled access and toilet facilities.”

They hope a new building in a more rural setting will mean 40 scouts, 35 cubs and 24 beavers can welcome new recruits and enjoy more outdoor activities.

“Scouting is enjoying a renaissance and the demand from local kids continues to put pressure on waiting lists at all levels,” said architectural technologist Roger Norton in a report to planning authority East Devon District Council (EDDC).

“This new building will enable new leaders to be recruited, additional sections to be established and the waiting list reduced,” he added.

“Scouting is about the outdoor life and the premises at Manor Road are not ideal.”

Plans for a predominantly timber structure with a steel sheet roof also feature a ‘modest’ car park.

The Salcombe Regis Recreational Field is leased from Sidmouth Town Council.

“The field was left for the use of youth groups in the Sid Valley and it seems totally appropriate the scouts continue to be associated with it,” said Mr Norton.

“Scouting is all about outdoor pursuits and this is an ideal site where youngsters can grow as members of this worldwide association and improve their personal development.”