An investigation has been called for into why a Scout group’s request for a new headquaters site on a large new housing estate ended up being rejected by Wokingham Borough Council.
Council chief executive Andy Couldrick has been asked to conduct the investigation into what happened to 1st Emmbrook Scout Group’s request for a site at the new 750 home Matthewsgreen development.
Council Liberal Democrat leader Lindsay Ferris who made the request said: “I’ve asked for a full investigation as to what has gone on and why we’re at the position of the Scouts not having a site there.”
He said Mr Couldrick had agreed to investigate and would reply.
The Scouts have lodged a complaint with Mr Couldrick. Group Scout Leader Martin Wilson said: “We are complaining about the way it [the request for an HQ site] has been handled.
“We have been strung along for years. It has been a complete and utter waste of time. We’ve been on a wild goose chase.”
The Scouts say the rejection came despite earlier council encouragement and overwhelming support from residents and councillors.
Residents at the North Wokingham Development Forum last Thursday at Emmbrook Junior School expressed anger and dismay about the Scouts’ treatment.
The scout group has 160 Beaver, Cub and Scout members. There are 40 youngsters on the waiting list and 30 five year olds waiting to start in 2017. They say the new houses will add an estimated 150 to the list. They want to pay for and build the HQ themselves.
Mr Wilson, upset and disheartened, told the forum how the Scouts felt they had been backed by the council and others in the past:
- He said that in 2010 the then council leader Cllr David Lee had said: “Space would be found in the North Wokingham Development for a Scout hut.”
- Gleeson had written in December 2014, saying: “Gleeson and Bovis are happy to provide land for the Scouts to relocate to.”
- The council development control document for the developers’ planning application had two responses specifically relating to the Scout HQ and stating “Land to north secured for community use”.
- The council planning committee in February 2015 approved the developers’ planning application. At this meeting Charles Collins of Savills for the developers had said “We have allowed for land for a Scout Headquarters somewhere on the site”.
- The Scouts met councillors and council officers in February 2016 and were invited to prepare a business case for their proposal. Council officers helped detail how Scouting aligned with council policies and vision.
The Asset Review Programme Board considered the business case in February 2017. Afterwards the council rejected the proposal by letter, said Mr Wilson.
Dozens of people attended the development forum. The scout HQ was one of the topics covered.
Mr Wilson claimed at the forum that the council was going back on its previous position on the use of the Matthewsgreen northern amenity land by now saying it could only be for open space.
And he added: “In fact it seems to be saying that the only facility possible is the central Community Centre.
“What was the point of all these consultations if there was nothing to consult about?”
The Scouts say they have such high demand they need their own building and that their proposed HQ building plot was outside the floodplain.
Mr Wilson said: “I have seen it suggested that all the past promises were related to aspirational support or made by people who weren’t actually in a position to make them.”
A spokesperson for Linden Homes commented: “Linden Homes was not involved with the Matthewsgreen Farm site when outline planning permission was granted in February 2015.
“We understand that provision for a Scout Hut was considered during the determination of the outline planning application, but this was prior to our acquisition of Phase 2b.
“The Council decided that a Community Building would be more beneficial to the local area.
“Linden Homes is committed to public consultation and community engagement, and will continue to work with local stakeholders, including the Scouts, going forward.”
Wokingham Borough Council said it remains supportive of the Scouts.
Cllr Mark Ashwell, executive member for planning and regeneration, said: “We will continue to help the Scouts to secure a home that works for them and the wider community.
“We are confident other options are available and if they are willing to work with us we will be able help the Scouts find a successful one.”
