'Holiday lets will mean more strangers in hot tubs'

Residents in the Forest of Dean village are unhappy with more holiday units being approved

Plans for a holiday let has angered villagers who claim they will have to put up with "strangers using a hot tub" next to their home almost every summer day.

Forest of Dean Council planners approved holiday units on site at Brook Cottage in Blaisdon near Longhope in Gloucestershire.,

Blaisdon resident Emily Boait, spoke on behalf of neighbours who objected “wholeheartedly” against the proposals.

Councillor Clayton Williams proposed approving the scheme in line with the officer’s recommendation. “It follows planning law,” he said.

The plans to use part of the residential land of Brook Cottage for a shepherd’s hut as holiday accommodation will go ahead.

The application was part-retrospective since the shepherd’s hut and concrete pad had already been constructed on site.

Blaisdon Parish Council along with 14 residents objected to the scheme.

They raised concerns over flooding, parking, nuisance along with the impact it will have on the village and environment.

Dr Boait continued: "The outdoor hut tub is adjacent to the next door property and was occupied on a near daily basis by holiday makers this summer,”

“The use of the outdoor area has significantly changed from being our neighbours to being strangers. This will increase with more holiday let capacity.”

She also echoed the concerns many villagers have about flooding and parking problems at the site.

The council have declined to comment any further on this application.