Ambitious new plans for Mortimer Forest unveiled including 70 holiday cabins
Plans for nearly 70 holiday cabins in secluded woodland have been unveiled, with claims the scheme will bring a tourism boost of £2.4 million each year.
The Forestry Commission’s ambitions for Mortimer Forest, near Ludlow, also include a new viewpoint, play equipment and trails – but the plans have come under fire for being “too big” for the area.
Before a planning application goes in to Herefordshire Council, two public exhibitions will be put on to give more detail about the project which has already been four years in the making.
The plans, which are supported and funded by Forest Holidays, include 68 Forest Holidays eco cabins along with a network of new paths and trails.
There will be car parking, new public toilets, natural play equipment and a new landscaped viewpoint at High Vinnalls overlooking the Welsh Hills and The Marches.
David Williamson, partnerships lead for the Forestry Commission, said: “We know that Mortimer Forest is popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders amongst others and our proposals would enhance the recreational facilities for everyone.
“Working with one of our many partners, we want to create high-quality, long-lasting facilities offering benefits for visitors, wildlife and the local economy.”
The Forestry Commission says the project will create 43 full-time equivalent jobs, and estimates another 47 for the local economy as a result of the increased tourism.
Concerned
But these projections have been met with scepticism from Ludlow councillor Andy Boddington, who said they had been “plucked out of the air”, adding: “I am concerned that this will spiral into a Centre Parcs for Ludlow. The case for the development is overstated.
"This is a very large development but the claims that it will create 90 jobs, plus 50 during development, do not stack up.
"This is not a 500-bedroom hotel. It is wooden cabins in the middle of a forest designed for independent holidays."
The first public exhibition will be held on February 27 at Wigmore Village Hall from 10am to 12pm, 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm.
An exhibition will then be held the following day at Ludlow Mascall Centre
