Otford Scout Hut Gets a Clean Bill of Health

Thursday, 11 July 2024 08:05

A survey means the scout hut can be re-opened

A survey of Otford Scout Hut has declared the site and the immediate surrounding land safe, allowing the popular facility to be re-opened.

Sevenoaks District Council closed the nearby former Chalk Pit in Otford in June 2024 after a survey indicated large underground cavities throughout the site posing a danger to life.

As a precautionary measure, the Scouts closed their hut as it borders the chalk pit and had experienced some historical structural problems.

In late June, The Council urgently instructed an independent survey of the site around the Scout hut using ground-penetrating radar.

A report came back to the Council on 3 July 2024 and found no signs of subsidence or underground cavities.

The Council is continuing to work to better understand the extent of the problems at the old Chalk Pit with further surveys and testing planned.

As part of this work, a structural survey of the retaining wall and earth embankment adjacent to Pilgrims Way East found this area to be stable requiring no remedial works.

Cllr Irene Roy, the Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Cleaner and Greener, says: “We’re really pleased the survey of the Scout hut and the surrounding land did not detect any issues of concern. It will be a great relief to all users of the Scout hut and the local community.

“We remain focused on carrying out further investigations as soon as possible so we can bring the much cherished former chalk pit back in to use.”

Further information, including the latest survey reports, can be viewed at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/otfordchalkpit.

Source: Sevenoaks Borough Council