March air and army cadets set to join forces with shared headquarters

Two Fenland youth organisations are set to join forces and create one meeting centre with a planning application submitted this week.

1220 (March) Air Training Squadron and the March Army Cadets are wanting to turn their two separate headquarters, both located in Gas Road, March, into one centre to be used by both groups.

The application is asking permission to demolish the air cadets HQ which is wooden built and internal remodelling of the existing army cadet centre, which sits directly alongside it.

The internal works will include the addition of new mezzanine floor. The proposed works also include the replacement of the existing roof and insertion of new roof lights, plus hard and soft landscaping including two parking spaces and cycle hoops.

There will be no changes to the firing range, which is also on the same site and shared by both cadet forces.

A design and access statement submitted in support of the application said: “The demolition of the air cadet building will provide much needed external space for the refurbished cadet centre including a new courtyard with flagpole and hard and soft landscaping.

“The main entrance will be accessible from the courtyard, with a new externa; ramp to provide level threshold access to the ground-floor.

“As this is a Military of Defence property, the site needs to remain secure, therefore a new railing with lockable gates is proposed as part of the development.”

It adds: “One of the principal design parameters of the proposed scheme is upgrading the existing premises, to provide accessible, inclusive spaces. The size of circulation spaces (corridor/lobbies), door openings, toilet facilities have been designed to comply with the current building regulations. A new ramp will be constructed externally to provide independent access to the drill hall and ground-floor teaching and office spaces.”