A short note to our neighbours about the Scout HQ
We wanted to let you know about a small change we’re planning at the Scout HQ — and to do so before anything is submitted, not afterwards.
We’re proposing a modest extension at the back of the building to help the HQ work better for the young people who already use it.
It’s not about making the building busier.
It’s about making it calmer, safer, and more flexible inside.
Right now, almost everything happens in one large hall. Modern Scouting often works best in smaller groups — sometimes quietly, sometimes needing a bit of space away from the main activity. The extension gives us a couple of small rooms that let us do that properly.
From the outside, very little changes.
The extension sits behind the existing building, away from the street, and is designed to blend in. Most neighbours won’t notice a difference day to day.
What also won’t change is how the building is used.
There will be no increase in the number of Scouts, no later evenings, no extra traffic or parking pressure, and no increase in noise. The building will continue to be used much as it is now — just more thoughtfully inside.
We know that building work itself can be disruptive, even when it’s temporary. When the time comes, works will be limited to normal daytime hours, and we’ll do everything we reasonably can to keep noise and disruption to a minimum. We’ll also make sure neighbours are kept informed.
The reason we’re sharing this now is simple.
We value being good neighbours, and we want to explain what we’re doing clearly and early — and to listen if you have any questions or concerns.
You don’t need to understand planning rules or read long documents. If this note answers your questions, that’s great. If it doesn’t, we’d genuinely welcome the chance to talk.
We’ll be hosting a local information meeting where trustees will be on hand to explain the plans and listen to any feedback. You’re also very welcome to contact us directly.
📍 Information meeting: 1st Malden HQ
🕒 22nd March 2026 – 10:00 – 12:00
📧 Email: chair@1stmaldenscouts.org.uk
We’re proud to be part of this neighbourhood, and we want this project to reflect that.
1. A note from the Scout Trustees (cover letter)
Dear Neighbour,
We’re writing to let you know about plans we are developing to extend the Scout HQ at Tadworth Avenue — and, just as importantly, to invite your views.
1st Malden Scout Group has been part of this neighbourhood for many years. We are proud to provide a safe, positive place for local young people to learn skills, build confidence, and contribute to the community.
Before submitting a planning application, we want to share our proposals early, explain what they mean in practice, and give you the opportunity to ask questions or raise any concerns directly with us.
This information pack is intended to give a clear overview without technical jargon. If you’d like more detail, we warmly invite you to a local information meeting or to contact us directly.
Kind regards,
The Trustees
1st Malden Scout Group
2. What is being proposed?
We are proposing a modest extension to the rear of the existing Scout HQ.
The purpose of the extension is to create a small number of additional internal rooms that allow us to:
- Run activities in smaller groups
- Provide quieter spaces when needed
- Improve safeguarding and supervision
- Make better use of the building we already have
The extension does not change the overall role of the building as a Scout Hall and community facility.
Call-out box: At a glance
- Single-storey rear extension
- Located away from the street frontage
- Designed to blend with the existing building
3. Why do we need the extension?
The Scout HQ is already well used, but the internal layout has not kept pace with how Scouting works today.
Modern Scouting often involves:
- Small-group learning
- Practical skills training
- Quiet or calm spaces for young people who need them
At present, many of these activities have to happen all in one large hall, which can be noisy and limiting.
The extension allows us to use the same building more intelligently, rather than expanding activity levels.
4. What’s changing — and what isn’t
What is changing
- Better internal layout with small breakout rooms
- Improved supervision and safeguarding
- More flexibility for existing activities
What is not changing
- No increase in the number of Scouts or leaders
- No extension of opening hours
- No increase in noise, traffic, or parking demand
- No change to how often the building is used
These commitments are set out formally in our Operational Management Plan, which supports the planning application.
5. How the extension affects neighbours (long term)
We understand that living next to a community building can raise questions about noise, activity, and comings and goings.
Based on how the building already operates — and how it will continue to operate — we want to be clear:
- Only one Scout section uses the building at a time
- Activities are primarily indoors
- Arrival and departure times are staggered
- The extension actually helps reduce noise, by separating quieter and noisier activities internally
In practical terms, neighbours should not notice any increase in activity compared with today.
6. During construction: what to expect
We also want to be upfront about short-term disruption during building works.
While details will be confirmed once a contractor is appointed, our approach will be to:
- Keep works within normal daytime hours
- Minimise noise and disruption wherever possible
- Keep the site tidy and secure
- Communicate clearly if there are any particularly noisy or disruptive phases
Construction will be temporary. The benefits of the project are long-term.
7. Our approach to consultation
This consultation is voluntary and is being carried out because we value good neighbour relationships.
We are not asking for technical planning feedback — we are asking:
- Are there any concerns you’d like to raise?
- Is there anything you’d like us to clarify?
- Would you like to talk through the proposals in person?
Your feedback matters to us, and we will consider it carefully as the plans are finalised.
8. If you’d like to know more
You are very welcome to:
- Attend our local information meeting
Sunday 22nd March, between 10:00 – 12:00 - Contact the Trustees directly
Email: chair@1stmaldenscouts.org.uk
For those who would like further detail, supporting documents (including the Operational Management Plan) can be shared on request or made available online.
Closing reassurance (optional footer)
We hope this information pack explains our plans clearly and openly. Our aim is simple: to improve a much-loved local facility while continuing to be a considerate and responsible neighbour.
