Campsite lodges near Slade Brook waterfalls rejected

Conservationists also feared the plans would upset the delicate balance of water and limestone

Plans for 41 holiday lodges near a series of rare tiny waterfalls have been rejected.

Tremolo Limited had hoped to replace 60 touring caravan and glamping pitches with 41 holiday caravan lodges at The Bearse campsite, St Briavels.

However, concerns were raised about the lodges endangering the nearby site of scientific interest, Slade Brook, by attracting more visitors to the spot.

The plans were rejected by Forest of Dean District Council on 9 April.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, conservationists also feared the plans, which also included demolishing all existing buildings and facilities, would upset the delicate balance of water and limestone.

Josh Bailey, objecting on behalf of the Wye Valley National Landscape, told the committee the site is currently tranquil outside of the seasonal peaks in tourism and the plans would create a "cul-de-sac style development in the open countryside".

Philippa Davies, the applicant's agent, said the proposals would not be an extension of the holiday park

"It will erode the bucolic field which contributes positively to the character and appearance of the national landscape, diminishing a sense of place," he said.

However, Philippa Davies, the applicant's agent, said the proposals would not be an extension of the holiday park, rather it was a change in the type of caravan to be placed on the site.

She said the developers had brought forward a sensitive scheme for the location and while they understand there are concerns, the proposed development would be an improvement.

"Not only do the proposals involve a reduction of the number of holiday units on site, we have provided data to show there will be a similar level of occupancy throughout the year," she said.

Calling on the committee to reject the scheme, Cllr McFarling said major developments to protected sites like the Slade Brook would lead to disturbance to wildlife, trampling and increased fire risk and contamination of water sources from dog faeces.

Cllr Julia Gooch proposed approving the scheme in line with the officer's recommendation as the site is already in operation as a tourism site.

However, this was rejected by four votes in favour and eight against.

Councillors said the plans would result in a new development in the open countryside which would impact the landscape and character of the site and area of outstanding beauty.