The Bog Blog - Edition 2: We Have Lift-Off (and Planning Permission!)
- District General - Myles
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
The Bog Blog - Edition 2: We Have Lift-Off (and Planning Permission!)
Get ready for some flushing good news, campers! The moment we've all been working towards and eagerly anticipating has arrived – we have officially received planning permission for our new toilet and shower block!
This is a monumental step forward in our mission to upgrade the facilities at Hopehill Campsite and ensure we can provide the best possible experience for all our scouts and visitors for many years to come.
As many of you know, the beloved Madelaine Allen toilet block has been a stalwart feature of our campsite for over three decades. It’s seen countless campers come and go and has become an almost iconic part of Hopehill. However, time marches on, and the old block is definitely showing its age and struggling to keep up with the demands of a modern campsite.
For the past couple of years, our dedicated "Bog Committee" (or "Poo Patrol" as some affectionately call us!) has been hard at work. As we mentioned in our last update, we've explored various options, from looking at container conversions (which we decided weren't quite the Hopehill style) to addressing essential site infrastructure like upgrading our power supply and surveying the drains (which, thankfully, are up to the task!).
Our journey has led us to a design that we believe truly meets our needs. We're planning to reuse and extend the existing building, creating a modern facility that incorporates unisex toilets and showers. This design offers much-needed flexibility, allowing us to configure the block to suit the varied needs of our diverse range of campers now and well into the future.
Here's a glimpse of what we're aiming for:
With planning permission secured, we can now move forward with the next exciting phases. This includes finalising the detailed plans, selecting fittings and fixtures, and, crucially, seeking contractors to bring our vision to life.
So, what's the timeline?
We are planning to start the building works in early October 2025. If all goes according to plan, we aim to have the fantastic new facilities block ready for the 2026 camping season!
We understand that any building project can cause some disruption, and we want to thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during the construction period. We promise it will be worth it! We will, of course, do our utmost to minimise any inconvenience.
We're incredibly excited to be embarking on this next stage. Stay tuned to this blog for more updates as we progress.
If you have any questions, comments, or brilliant ideas, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at bog.committee@hopehill.org.uk.
Yours in scouting,
Richard Painting
Bog Committee | Hopehill Campsite
The Bog Blog - Edition 2: We Have Lift-Off (and Planning Permission!)
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