New scout facilities approved near Dorchester

A centre's due to be built at Crossways

Author: Faye Tryhorn & Trevor Bevins - Local Democracy ReporterPublished 23rd Dec 2022

Scouts from West Dorset will soon have access to more facilities for local jamborees and cookouts.

Dorset Council's approved plans for a new centre at Brownjohn Copse at Crossways, on a former landfill site.

Until now, troops had been using the area just for camping and outdoor activities.

The new building will include a hall, kitchen, toilets and dormitories, with a covered walkway and disabled access.

The Dorchester and West Dorset Scouts said in their planning application:

“The proposal seeks to mitigate any problems in regard to bad weather and make the best use of the site for local groups and any fundraising and events.”

Changes have been made to the plans during a consultation process, including a slight repositioning, to make sure some trees and a hedgerow are better protected.

Less intrusive lighting will also be used, at the request of Dorset Wildlife Trust, to prevent disturbance to roosting bats.

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