A derelict former Scout hut which was marketed as a potential gym could now be demolished to make way for a house. The oak-clad building looks like something from the backwoods of Scandinavia and is partially surrounded by trees and has a stream one one side, despite being in a built-up suburb of Swansea.
The land is accessed by a lane linking Glanmor Park Road and Parc Wern Road, Sketty, and had become increasingly overgrown. Some trees have been felled and others thinned, in consultation with Swansea Council, since the hut - Pinewood Lodge - was bought by property developer Paul James.
Mr James, of P & C Properties Ltd, initially planned to refurbish the lodge into a gym and lease it out. There was interest from potential occupiers - particularly the prospect of exercise classes in the grounds - but a lack of parking put them off. Mr James said he didn't want to cause parking problems locally, so decided to build a home for him and his wife. Council officers are assessing his planning application.
