HAMSTERLEY FOREST PLANNING APPLICATION – EXTENDED DEADLINE DATE PASSED
THE deadline date for a decision to be made on the controversial planning application for changes
and additions to Hamsterley Forest has passed.
The application is for the Proposed Masterplan for Hamsterley Forest comprising a replacement
Forestry England Visitor Centre with offices, cafe, classroom, and WCs with additional rationalised
car parking; 70no. Forest Holidays cabins with associated infrastructure; a Go Ape high ropes course;
and a change of use of the Nest buildings and land to provide a Forestry England Camping area.
The original deadline date was extended by Durham County Council Planning department to July
31 s for a decision to be made by councillors sitting on the planning committee.
In recent days, Durham Wildlife Trust has raised its objections to the proposals as follows:
‘We do not view the development proposals as appropriate, and Durham Wildlife Trust wish to
confirm objections to the proposed development on the following grounds:
Objection 1 – loss and deterioration of Windy Bank Wood (grid ref: NZ 08783 31048), designated
as Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site on Natural England’s Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI).
Objection 2 – Impact on a veteran oak tree and a veteran Scots pine. Objection 3 – The proposed
development is incompatible with Flood Zone.
Objection 4 – Inadequate flood risk assessment (FRA).
Objection 5 – The proposed development involves the use of a non-mains foul drainage system
which poses an unacceptable risk of pollution to surface waters/the water e n v i r o n m e n t .
Objection 6 – The risk posed by the proposed development on water quality.
Objection 7- Inadequate evidence that the risks to Protected and Priority Species have been
considered.
Objection 8 – Scope of Biodiversity Net Gain proposals.
Stephen Reed, Durham County Council’s planning manager, said: “We can confirm the applicant
in this case has asked for time to respond to some points raised during our consultation. We are,
therefore, currently looking at bringing this matter before committee in October or November.”
