WEST Devon planners have given the go-ahead for a new scout hut for Okehampton Scouts at Crediton Road.

The application consists of the demolition of the existing wooden hut, which the scouts have been using in excess of 30 years, and the construction of a larger replacement building.

Measuring 20m x 6.5m, the proposed building will include a kitchen/diner, main hall, entrance hall, stores, lobby, toilet and disabled toilet.

Two letters from local residents called for time restrictions to be imposed on the building to prevent noise and disturbance and that its use should be limited to the scout group.

In a report to members of West Devon Council's planning committee, planning officers said a condition that the building should not be used after 10pm Monday to Saturday and 8pm on Sundays was part of the last consent because of the close proximity of housing around the site but they felt this was unnecessarily restrictive.

It prevented sleeping over in the building, which the younger scouts would do occasionally, or the group using the building in inclement weather if an activity had to be abandoned.

The committee was told that it also prevented fundraising by letting other bodies use the hall for meetings and talks.

Members granted approval for the new scout hut with a scouts-only condition but specified other groups could use the building if agreed in writing by the planning authority.