Cabins scheme still alive (From This is Hampshire)

Cabins scheme still alive

4:50pm Sunday 19th July 2009 in

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DEVELOPERS have refused to rule out making a new bid to build about 100 holiday cabins in the Hampshire countryside.

Forest Holidays, a partnership between the Forestry Commission and the Camping and Caravanning Club, wants to construct the cabins at Black Wood, near Micheldever.

It says the plans could attract 150,000 visitors each year, creating 65 jobs and pumping £5m into the local economy.

Planning chiefs refused the scheme after environmental experts and 100 residents objected.

The 500 acres of woodland, which the Forestry Commission owns, is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, and home to protected species including dormice, bats and polecats.

Natural England, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and the Campaign to Protect Rural England are opposing the plan, as are Hampshire County Council’s environment department and Micheldever Parish Council.

Forest Holidays remained tight-lipped this week over when it might submit revised plans after the failure of the first scheme.

Operations director Richard Palmer said: “We were disappointed with the decision taken by Winchester Council’s planning department and, having received the detailed reasons for the refusal, are reviewing their comments.”