Forestry England’s proposal to develop a holiday park in Hamsterley Forest has encountered legal objections from campaigners who argue the planning documents are incomplete and contain outdated information.
The project, which involves the construction of 70 cabins, a campsite, and a Go Ape high ropes course, is being pursued in partnership with two private firms, according to a report by BBC.
A legal representative for the Hamsterley Forest Action Group has raised concerns over the adequacy of key environmental assessments and the accuracy of travel data used in the application.
Barrister Nicola Allan stated that the lack of a flood risk assessment and a protected species survey, along with outdated travel information from July 2021, renders the planning application “not fit for validation.”
She also pointed out discrepancies in the transport statement and travel plan, including the omission of a road closure that has affected access to the area for two years.
“The lack of information and inconsistencies taken as a whole are so grave that if the council proceeded to approve this application then it is likely to be quashed on judicial review,” Allan wrote in a letter on behalf of the action group.
She has called for the application to be invalidated or postponed until the missing details are addressed.
Forestry England, however, maintains that the planning process allows for additional details to be submitted in response to public and regulatory feedback.
The organization has stated that Durham County Council has not flagged any major issues with its documents and that its transport statement and travel plans have been accepted by Durham Highways.
“These consultees have set out what we need to provide to satisfy their requirements, and we are currently collating this information,” a Forestry England spokesperson said.
For outdoor hospitality operators, this case highlights the complexities of navigating the regulatory landscape when developing projects in sensitive natural areas.
Ensuring that environmental and logistical assessments are comprehensive and up-to-date is critical to avoiding legal challenges that can delay or derail developments.
The situation also underscores the importance of engaging with local stakeholders early in the process to anticipate potential objections and refine proposals accordingly.