The application for a purpose-built building on the recreation ground was turned down by East Cambridgeshire Council's planning committee on Wednesday.

Although members gave their support to the scheme in principle, they asked the group to look again at the building's appearance.

Leaders will now work with the council's planning officers in order to come up with an appropriate design. The group hopes to re-submit fresh plans within the next three months.

Peter Campbell-McBride, treasurer of the executive committee for Soham Scouts, said they would visit buildings on recreation grounds in other communities for inspiration, including a recently-built Scout hut near Ely.

"We didn't expect the council to approve it without any requirement to re-look at something," he said.

"We came away with it approved in principle. Providing we come up with something attractive and in keeping with the recreation ground, we hope the council will be inclined to approve it."

At the meeting, councillors said they were concerned about the size of the hut, plans for a rifle range and the removal of a 50-year old beech tree.

But Mr Campbell-McBride told councillors the rifle range had been dropped and that the group would plant five new trees to replace the beech.

He said nearby residents, who were consulted on the plans, had no objections to the size, location or appearance of the hut.

However, Cllr Peter Moakes told the meeting: "It's an excellent scheme but it's an awful building.

"It seems a shame to be putting something with so little attraction in a public park."

These views were echoed by Cllr Jackie Petts, who said: "I do agree the building is hideous but I think the work they are doing there is so excellent we have got to give them some leeway with this sort of thing."

Cllr Mike Rouse was one of the few councillors to support the plans.

"I say it's good for Soham, good for the Scout movement and good for the young people of the town," he said.

Soham Scouts and Guides are expected to hold their first meeting with council officers in the next four weeks.