Delay on decision over Weston Park holiday homes
A decision on whether a controversial holiday park can be created on the Weston Park estate in South Staffordshire has been put on hold amid claims it would destroy the beauty of the area.
Developers said the holiday park would create up to 30 part-time jobs and boost business for existing shops and restaurants. But residents have voiced fears about the development, which would include 89 lodges in a wood close to a lake as well as a reception lodge.
Neighbours fear the project in White Stitch Wood could bring up to 600 people at a time into the area, dwarfing the present population of the neighbouring villages of Blymhill and Weston under Lizard.
Damage
Protest letters and a petition signed by 130 local people warned of extra noise, light and traffic along with damage to wildlife and peace and quiet.
Currently the land is used only by an angling club with no public access.
An access spur road across a field on the edge of the wood is proposed to link the development to the B5315 Chester Road at Weston Under Lizard. South Staffordshire regulatory committee chairman, Councillor Brian Cox, who had been with colleagues on a site visit, said: "This will vandalise and destroy one of the most beautiful sites and would be contrary to everything we have been trying to do to protect and preserve South Staffordshire." But he also admitted that there could be advantages.
Councillor David Heseltine said it would be a 'tremendous amenity'.
Developers believe the estate could generate more than £830,000 a year. Planners said the park could boost tourism and recommended its approval with conditions but the committee voted to defer a decision to look into issues further.
