PLANS to replace an ageing village hut with a modern Scout and Guide headquarters have already attracted dozens of responses from residents.

Burley-in-Wharfedale Scouts and Guides have submitted plans to Bradford Council to demolish the old Peel Place hut, construct a new building, with a new turning point and drop-off area, and replace the existing car parking.

The groups have so far raised £30,000 towards the £400,000 they need to build the new facilities. A major fundraising drive is expected to begin shortly.

The planning application has already attracted support from some villagers, who have written to Bradford Council arguing up-to-date facilities are needed for the 300-plus children who benefit from activities at the centre.

But other residents are opposing the plans, with concerns about the new-look headquarters and turning area leading to an increase in traffic on the surrounding roads.

One objector said supporters of the plan were "simply looking at the issue of a nice new building for the Scouts", and claimed there had noticeably been an increase in traffic flow to and from the current Scout hut during the past two years.

Others spoke of congestion in Peel Place.

A Design and Access Statement by Mark Hide, of Mark Hide Associates, said the group would strongly discourage parents from driving down Peel Place, and claimed that in the groups' experience, only a small minority of parents drive to the venue.

Burley Scouts and Guides group executive committee chairman, Bryan Collins, said the organisation had looked into the possibility of creating a new hut two decades ago, and again ten years ago, but had not been able to take action then to replace the building.

"We really need to do something about it now," he said.

"We need a modern building that will stand for some decades to come. We need new toilets and kitchen facilities, and the building really needs to be flexible."

Mr Collins said Burley Scouts and Guides has about 12 units in total, including Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Rainbows, Guides and Rangers.

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