SCOUT and Guide leaders were yesterday awaiting a decision from councillors as to whether their plans for a new state-of-the-art hut will be given the go-ahead.
The Soham troop wants to demolish its two existing crumbling huts and replace them with a two-storey building to use as their headquarters.
Plans include a mezzanine floor providing a viewing gallery and air gun range, which Soham Town Council ini
tially raised concerns over.
In a report, planning officers at East Cambridgeshire Council recommended that councillors refuse the scheme when they met at yesterday's planning committee meeting, describing the design as bulky and unattractive.
They believe the hut would have a "detrimental visual impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area" on Soham recreation ground.
Although officers admit it would be of significant benefit to the local community, they claim this is outweighed by the adverse impact on the neighbouring houses on Clay Street.
But local district councillors are keen to see the building get permission.
In the report, Cllr James Palmer, of Soham north ward, said: "This building is very important to the youth of Soham. The functional design should be accepted in this instance."
Cllr Tony Cornell added: "What is suggested is a vast improvement on the existing eyesore buildings."
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