New girl guide building approved but modern design is ditched

The current dilapidated guide building in Malthouse Square, Beaconsfield, whose roof leaks and whose heating broke this winter, is to be demolished and rebuilt.
It is hoped that work will start in a year's time - subject to fundraising of £150,000 being successful - and completed in August 2011. £100,000 has already been raised. The new building will be available for hire by community groups.
Morag Mason, Beaconsfield district commissioner, said: "Our girls are a step closer to getting a new, safe and modern building, Beaconsfield desperately needs it. Raising the money to pay for the building will be tough, but I really hope the people of Beaconsfield will support this project."
However some in the town are disappointed that the original plan - for an ultra modern eco friendly design with grass roof, curved front and bright blue back section - had to be abandoned after it was thrown out by planners.
Beaconsfield architect Jonathan Heighway, a father of two former brownies, had hoped to build a landmark structure, but was forced to draw up a much more conservative design after councillors said it would "fail to respect or harmonise with the surrounding buildings." The new design is rectangular with a pitched roof.
Deborah Sanders, acting chair of the planning committee at Beaconsfield Town Council, said: "I would have preferred the modern design. Beaconsfield lacks inspirational buildings, it hasn't had any new ones for 80 or 90 years. The fact that we can't move forward is very sad. This building will be a step backwards.
She added: "There are modernist houses in Stratton Road that are now listed, but they wouldn't get planning permission today."
A fund-raising campaign will be relaunched on the Guides' Thinking Day, February 20.
This year , the centenary of guiding, rangers, guides and brownies in Beaconsfield, with the help of local radio enthusiasts, will be making radio contact with guides around Britain and other counties. The older girls will be joined by the rainbows (younger than brownies) to part in a range of activities giving them a flavour of other countries and cultures.