MULTI-MILLION pound plans have been unveiled to build a “hideaway” luxury holiday retreat in woodland on the Shropshire-Staffordshire border.

A fledgling company behind a similar development in Nottingham’s Sherwood Forest is in talks about taking on a long lease for White Sitch Wood, a 170-acre forest with a large lake at Weston-under-Lizard, near Shifnal.

Director Simon Bowder said the firm was looking to build about 100 lodges on the site, with a planning application for the first phase of 30 going in later this year.

He said: “We are looking at a similar concept to that of Sherwood Forest, that of a lodge park where the environment is a hideaway retreat.

“It is high-quality accommodation, the equivalent of five-star self-catering, and the kind of person it is aimed at is one looking to get away to a quiet environment.”

Mr Bowder added: “It won’t have on-site facilities, such as bars, restaurants, or anything like that, and it will be set away so it is not visible from the outside. It will be ‘hidden away’, hence the name.

“We think this development would bring huge benefits to the area.

“It will create local jobs as, for instance, we will need plumbers to maintain the boilers. And there will be a knock-on tourism boost as well, with anything from golf clubs to shops feeling the benefit the extra visitors would bring.”

Breaks at the Sherwood Forest development are advertised as starting at £485 per week.

The plans have caused some concern among residents.

About 30 people turned up at a meeting on Wednesday night to discuss the proposals after receiving a letter from Mr Bowder.

Concerns include extra traffic and possible felling of trees.

But Mr Bowder said: “I have to say, by and large, that the people we have spoken to have been incredibly supportive.

“There have been some concerns but we have acted upon those, we do listen, and our plans will be amended accordingly.

“We plan to meet with the parish council soon and fully intend to engage with the local community on this exciting development for the area.”

By Wayne Beese