New Forest National Park Authority set to approve expansion of Green Hill Farm holiday park despite more than 300 letters of objection

A NEW Forest holiday park is expected to have its expansion plans approved by the national park authority next week despite more than 300 letters of objection.

As reported in the A&T, Green Hill Farm in New Road, Landford, is seeking permission for 150 static caravans, which includes retaining 60 already present.

The site, owned by Lovat Parks, wants to install a further 90 new caravans in the place of 130 existing touring and camping pitches, plus eight safari tents, four glamping pods and four shepherd huts.

A report to the NPA’s planning committee, which will meet on Tuesday, said an initial total figure of 190 holiday units had now been reduced to 150.

It added: “The proposed scheme has since been revised and now proposes a lesser quantum of development in terms of the number of units.

“The three front fields have now been removed from the application site and 50 of the 90 new holiday lodges are proposed to be seasonally restricted and would only be occupied between Easter to 30th September each year, so there would be no increase in the number of year-round units.”

It added: “ Officers are confident that the resultant scheme would deliver a high quality and carefully managed holiday site that would enhance the landscape character and biodiversity of the area, would mitigate associated recreational impacts and would not result in any material increase in activity over and above that which can already lawfully operate on the site.”

If approved the site, which has operated for more than 15 years, would also see the introduction of a wildflower meadow and small fishing hut adjacent to the new and extended ponds in the southern corner of the site.

The existing amenity building would be retained along with the existing dining tent, but a proposed replacement central amenity building and tipi were no longer being pursued, the report added.

The plans have been met with a wave of opposition from locals, with more than 300 public objections as well as Landford Parish Council.

Critics say it would be an overdevelopment of the site and fear an increase in noise, traffic and litter and light pollution as well as harm to wildlife, the loss of touring pitches and impact on nearby residents.

There has also been more than 120 letter of support for the scheme, which was praised for being a less intensive use of the site, bringing tourists to the area and benefits to the economy.