Forest holiday lodges plan recommended for refusal
True NorthPlans for a holiday park which promises to create dozens of jobs are expected to be turned down.
The development at the Greencroft Estate in Lanchester, County Durham, would include 140 lodges, a spa, pool and shop within a new woodland called Greencroft Forest Park.
Durham County Council is due to discuss the proposal next week. In a report prepared ahead of the meeting, planning officers recommended the plans for refusal amid concerns for the landscape.
True North, the applicant, said about 160 jobs would be created during the construction phase, leading to 44 permanent roles. If approved, it said the site would generate up to £2.1m for the local economy.
The Reform UK-led council has received 27 letters of objections, raising concerns over flooding, tourism development needs and transport sustainability.
North Durham's Labour MP Luke Akehurst also spoke in opposition to the plans.
He said: "The proposals would cause significant damage to the character, identity and heritage of the area."
'Community focus'
In planning documents, True North said the new complex would be built around a central hub facility next to the site of the former Greencroft Hall.
The company said it wanted to create "a place that the community can value and take pride in".
"The proposals have been carefully shaped to respect the character and history of the former estate.
"They will retain and integrate remaining heritage features, enhance existing woodland, and open up access for local communities, while also delivering meaningful ecological improvements."
Recommending the plans for refusal, the council's report said: "Whilst the principle of development has the potential to be acceptable, the development as presented would result in moderate to substantial landscape harm."
