A SCOUT group is celebrating this week after plans to build a new base were approved by council planners.
The 17th Reigate Scouts have been planning for nearly 18 months to move into their own purpose-built base at St Joseph's Church, in Ladbroke Road, Redhill.
And the now the group – which has about 120 young members and a waiting list of nearly 70 – is gearing up for a final fundraising push so building work can begin by the end of the year.
"We're absolutely over the moon," said group Scout leader Mike Phillipson. "It's a major milestone for us and everybody's very pleased. We started talking about this in October 2011 and then we put it to the parents in January 2012 to ask if this is something they wanted and if they could see the benefits from going ahead and we got a positive response."
After receiving approval from parents and members, the group got to work finding the money for the new venture. So far they have raised nearly half of the £100,000 needed.
They hope that if they can start on the project by the end of the year, they will be able to move into their new home by next summer.
"We said at the start that raising the balance of the money was the most important thing and we wouldn't start building before we had about 90 per cent of the fundraising completed," added Mr Phillipson.
The 98-year-old Scout group has been housed in South Nutfield since the St Joseph parish centre was demolished in March 2012.
Mr Phillipson said: "It will be good to have a permanent home for Scout activities. When we're not using it, if other community groups wanted to, we could come to an agreement with them."
Speaking during the planning meeting, Redhill councillor Sarah Finch said: "I'm fully in favour of this application. What the report doesn't mention is they're making good use of reusable material. The Scouts are fundraising away and it's an excellent idea."
The group is currently seeking help with fundraising and investment. If you can help, e-mail 17th.reigate@gmail.com
