The 1st Topsham Sea Scouts has been the green light for its new hut.

Exeter City Council’s planning committee overwhelmingly approved the £500,000 project.

The sea scouts’ hut at the recreation ground was flooded in 2013 and has remained unused since, with the children using facilities at the Dorothy Holman Centre, White Ensign and Highfield Farm.

Fundraiser Nick Batchelor believes the project may take a year to complete.

“I am delighted the planners have granted permission that allows the project to move on to the next phase.,” he said.

“More importantly, I was humbled by the committee’s enthusiasm for the project and its genuine excitement about a building that could offer so much to so many children of all walks of life.

“This project is not just important, it is an absolute necessity. The current building is old, dilapidated, falling down and is not fit for purpose.

“The location is perfect as it is within the park boundary, with direct access to the grass playing field and near to the river for the sea scouts to do their water-based activities.

“The new building will offer security for the group and also facilities that are essential to fully enjoy outdoor pursuits within an inspirational building.”

However, the proposal has been met by opposition from some residents.

Resident Phil Holcroft, of Ferry Road, previously told the Journal he could not support the plan.

Mr Holcroft said he wanted the Dorothy Holman Centre building to be extended for the youngsters instead.

Susan Wright, secretary of the Dorothy Holman Youth and Community Centre management committee, said the sea scouts’ proposal would cause problems for residents and users of the recreation ground.

However, Mr Batchelor previously told the Journal that the Dorothy Holman Centre did not meet the sea scouts’ requirements.

He said the sea scouts had addressed a number of residents’ concerns.