A village scout group can have a new base after plans were permitted. 

1st Longworth Scout Group applied for the facility, which will provide two activity rooms, on land east of Oxford Close in Kingston Bagpuize. 

The scheme was unanimously approved by Vale of White Horse District Council's planning committee on Wednesday, October 16.

It was brought before the committee due to an objection from Oxfordshire County Council's highways department. 

In a statement read to the committee, the application's ward councillor Jill Rayner said: “I'm in support of the application for the new building. This is an addition to the village which is long overdue. 

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“Even though the village has doubled in size, the facilities for youth and young people have been unable to. In fact, the lack of appropriate space has meant that groups have had to cease operation. 

“Despite the comments from highways, the group is determined to limit the use of cars and encourage walking and cycling. This may become worthy of a badge. 

“This would make a significant difference to the young people within our village.”

The building will include a climbing wall, kitchen, shower-room and toilets, along with storage space.

The Scout group is based in Faringdon Road in Kingston Bagpuize.

The planning officers' report says that the new building would allow them to improve the quality of their facilities and expand the capacity to support a greater number of local young people.

The report added: “The scale, height, footprint and materials are appropriate to its intended purpose and are in keeping with the predominantly residential character of the edge of settlement location. 

“The development promotes the use of sustainable means of transport in a community context, which has been secured by condition.

"Subject to conditions, the development would not pose risks to protected species, result in harm to highway safety or result in the displacement of parking onto the highway.

"A sustainable drainage scheme and biodiversity enhancements have been secured as part of the proposals.”

The committee was happy to approve the scheme. 

Councillor Robert Maddison said: “I'm satisfied that the issues around parking will be mitigated in the greatest extent they can be. The scout group is encouraging active travel which is very much in line with the scouting ethos.”

Councillor Hayleigh Gascoigne added: “It's a great thing that is providing facilities for young people which is much needed.”

The application was unanimously permitted by the planning committee.