Nuisance fear over holiday park plans
Plans for a holiday park near Shropshire could ruin the tranquility of a woodland with an expert saying it would see an influx the size of a small village descending on the area, a hearing heard.
Graham Parker was speaking at a public inquiry into the plans by developers for a change of use at White Sitch Wood at Weston under Lizard, near Shifnal, which would allow up to 89 holiday homes on the woodland site.
The proposal was refused by South Staffordshire Council's planning committee in November but developer Simon Bowder has launched an appeal.
Mr Parker, a chartered town planner and acting as a consultant to the council, yesterday told the inquiry he had concerns about the light, noise and fencing planned for the 60-hectare site. He added: "We don't know what the lodges will look like.
"(The lodges) will be open to the night sky and there will be some glow at night but how much? It hasn't been assessed.
"There are some 200 parking spaces in this development but there is nowhere and nothing for these people to do on site.
"To go to the pub or a restaurant you'll have to leave the site.
"Coming back, you'll get cars moving about and headlights in what is currently a dark and tranquil area.
"With up to 500 people, it's the size of a small village. Living in these woods with nothing to do on holiday, of course they're going to sit outside and make noise."
The developers had also not supplied enough information about their plans and the design was unsustainable, he added.
Mr Parker is one of 11 witnesses who will have their say during the hearing before chartered town planner Paul Dobsen, which was expected to conclude today.
Many of these are nearby residents who were among those who sent protest letters and signed a 130-signature petition documenting their concerns about noise, traffic and damage to wildlife and peace and quiet in the area which would result from the plan. Mr Bowder has previously said the project would create 30 full-time jobs.
The hearing continues.
