1st Heathfield Scout Group

The proposal is to reinstate a new headquarters and home for scouting within Heathfield and Waldron with the capacity and resources to meet the future needs of the children and volunteer leaders within the local community by reusing the site of the original headquarters. The resource will be available for other community groups to benefit from.

The site is located in a wooded valley adjacent to Geers Wood to the south west of Heathfield and covers an area of approximately 2.866 acres (1.16 hectares).

A number of different traditional construction methods were considered for the new Community Scout Headquarters.  However, after careful consideration it was agreed that the building would be constructed from low carbon sustainable materials.  The single storey building will comprise of a timber framed structure with lime render straw bale walls, timber double glazed windows and a dual pitch green roof (Sedum or similar).  In addition the building will incorporate photovoltaic panels, low energy lighting, ground source heat pumps and rainwater harvesting.

The CO₂ emissions from the construction and operation of the building will be minimised by utilising environmentally compassionate building materials (straw bale) sourced from local providers that maximise sound and heat properties. A managed renewable energy system will be incorporated to reduce the impact and burden of heating and lighting. In addition only ‘A’ rated white goods will be used within the building.

The building is rectangular in plan measuring 282m² and incorporates an entrance lobby, main hall, kitchen, a small office, activity room and storage area together with supporting sanitary accommodation (including disabled WC).