The current position of the Sea Scouts is one of uncertainty. They have a deteriorating clubhouse, situated at the far end of St Nick's Park. Their membership is full, and they have a 175-strong waiting list. Their current clubhouse is at the end of its life, and probably contravenes all sorts of modern-day building regulations. A purpose-built, modern clubhouse would allow them to reduce their waiting list and provide the sorts of facilities that a modern day scouting movement requires.
They outlined their plans for the clubhouse: a building on Myton Fields that is bigger than their current clubhouse and would allow them storage for their kit. From the drawings they presented, the building is no taller than the tallest house on that side of the road (and of course, Warwick School towers over them all) but it is clear that the residents are not happy with the proposed site, so to an extent, the size of the building is irrelevant.
So what is the problem with building on Myton Fields? Well, clearly for the residents in that area, flooding is a real, and very serious issue. The current building is in Flood Zone 1 and the proposed building is in Flood Zone 2. Now, I don't claim to understand the Flood Zones at all, but before the building commences, there will have to be a proper assessment of the risks involved. Needless to say, any building in this area will have an impact on the flood risks for the future, and that is worrying for everyone.
Secondly, parking was highlighted as a real concern for everyone. During the summer, Myton Fields is turned into an overflow car park for people using St Nick's and it is always full. During the winter, it is usually too muddy to use and is locked. The residents raised some very valid points about access to the new building, and at this stage there appear to be no real answers. Clearly, Warwick School looks like the most sensible solution, as they have adequate parking onsite and a drop-off area. If a negotiated solution with Warwick School could be agreed, then this might mitigate some of the impact. How possible this might be, I don't know.
One very interesting proposal emerged during the meeting: the possibility that the Sea Scouts might be able to demolish their existing building and re-build there. We'd understood that the landowner (Warwick District Council) had previously wanted this but Cllr Doody agreed to discuss this possibility with the Sea Scouts. Clearly, this was welcomed by the residents and it was finally agreed that all sides would sit down and discuss again.
Quite where this will leave the Sea Scouts is another matter. I very much hope that a solution is found. I don't think anyone would disagree that they need this new HQ. That a youth organisation is flourishing at this time, and has such great aspirations for its membership, should applauded and supported. I very much hope that a way can be found to make the HQ and its neighbours co-exist happily.
This meeting illustrates for me very clearly the very difficult decisions that planning committees have to make. I'm not a member of the WTC planning committee, and it is the Warwick District Council that will pass or reject the planning application, and I certainly don't envy those that will have to make the final decision. The Sea Scouts were not compelled to hold the meeting, and I think it is was sensible of them to reach out to their neighbours and seek their views.
