Cadet Hut Community Consultation Survey

Three to four years ago, Wheatley Parish Council (WPC) began looking for a space to expand services and storage for the benefit of the village. Initially it was thought that the office would move away from the centre of the village at the Merry Bells, but the benefit of being close to the shops and businesses and accessible to all was too valuable.

However, the office needed more space, and an opportunity to bring an empty community building back into use was too attractive to turn down. Unfortunately, circumstances caused delays which meant that it was only in Autumn of 2025 that we were able to progress the lease. The issue is now with both sets of solicitors, and we are awaiting the draft lease.

Oxfordshire County Council is the landlord of the land. The hut is being gifted to us by the Ministry of Defence.

The hut is in reasonably good order but dated and in need of modernisation. It has been regularly maintained by SERFCA (South East Region Cadet Association) for the last 10 years.

There is a shortage of available meeting space in the village. Those trying to book the Mulberry Room at the URC will attest to the fact that they have found themselves double and triple booked on the same day with other organisations. The Merry Bells Hall is too big for many events, and the Coffee Room is too small. The Church is too cold in winter, and the Primary School has limited availability.

Proposed Uses for the Hut

At the Parish Council Development Day (28 March 2026), councillors discussed potential uses:

Option A – Youth Hub
A safe space for young people to go, build social skills, and undertake activities under supervision. This option would require support from other agencies but would develop over time for the benefit of the village. A Youth Council would come out of the initiative and give young people a voice encouraging commitment to their environment. Whilst the building blocks of this option are not yet in place, it is worth working towards this option.

Option B – Flexible Workspace & Meeting Venue
A flexile space for Bookable hot desking and meetings. It was commented that there is not enough meeting/office space in the village. E.G. Wheatley Park School does not have enough office space, particularly at exam time. This suggestion would support hosting WPC committee meetings, enabling more members of the public to attend and be able to be seated. Currently there are not enough chairs for busy committee members, let alone members of the public.

Option C – Community Activities Space
A space for rehearsals of dramatic/choral events and community activities, e.g. Choir Practice, Repair Cafes, Coffee Mornings, Age UK events.

Option D – Parish Office Relocation
Move the Parish Office completely to the Cadet Hut. There would be enough space for a large open plan office for four people (Clerk, Assistant Clerk, Locum Clerk and Bookkeeper). Storage for archived files and parish marketing materials in the rear offices, proper kitchen and facilities, and the Council Chamber. This option is similar to Option B but would involve a permanent move. The option was discussed on our development day, but this was the original intention and should be considered.

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WPC is seeking community feedback on these options.

We would greatly appreciate your input. Please follow the link to complete the survey:
Cadet Hut Community Consultation Survey