Plans have been submitted to build a brand new sea scouts headquarters with a “playful design” on the banks of a lagoon at a new housing development.

If approved, the site at the Faversham Lakes estate would be a contemporary and simple building, painted yellow and blue to match the emblem for the 8th Faversham Sea Scouts Group.

Training Manager for the Scouts Faversham District, Andrew White, says the new facility would be a big step forward for the organisation.

“We are very excited about the prospect of the new headquarters building as it will allow the group to secure its future,” said Mr White.

“We’re hoping it will get through planning without any problems and that construction can begin in the spring.

“We’ve been in temporary accommodation since 2018 but despite that, we’ve been able to add a Beaver colony, which is great, but a permanent home would really help our group to grow.

“We have worked with Anderson Group developers on the design for a building that will provide sea scouting for generations of young people in Faversham.”

The site would be located a mile north of the town centre, at the 330-home Faversham Lakes development off Oare Road.

The HQ would include a meeting room with capacity for up to 12 people, a kitchen, a hall, changing facilities and bathrooms.

Outside, there are plans for a small barbecue area with picnic tables and a covered pergola.

Environmental considerations have also been made, with bird and bat boxes, wood piles and hedgehog homes proposed.

The new building will be used by the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts of the Group for activities such as crafts, cooking and camping and the nautical group would also be able to make use of the adjacent lagoon for sailing expeditions.

Building a new headquarters for the troop has long been part of developer Anderson Group’s plans for the estate, along with a new country park - which opened earlier this year - and a visitor centre ‘heritage hub’ that will revive derelict work buildings.

In documents submitted to Swale Borough Council, Anderson says the one-acre site would allow the children’s group to thrive.

“The unique building, in its contemporary, simple and durable form, is designed to last for years,” say the developers.

“It will ensure communities such as the Sea Scouts continue to thrive in today’s ever-changing society.

“The new sea scouts facility would be a significant addition, to the whole community of Faversham town.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring this proposal forward.

The 8th Faversham Sea Scouts is one of 100 Royal Navy-recognised groups in the country.

It comprises the Beavers group for children aged six to eight, Cubs, for eight to 11-year-olds and, the Scouts for children aged 11 to 14.

The Sea Scouts programme puts more of an emphasis of water activities than other Scouts groups and incorporates many aspects of naval and nautical traditions.