Home / Environment / Forest Park Plan Delayed Amid Badger and Flood Fears
Forest Park Plan Delayed Amid Badger and Flood Fears
2 Jun
Summary
- Decision on 140-lodge holiday park in Greencroft Forest Park postponed.
- Concerns raised over landscape, flooding, and protected badger populations.
- Applicant claims 160 construction jobs and 44 permanent roles.
Plans for a new holiday park at the Greencroft Estate in Lanchester, County Durham, have been postponed. The proposed development, which includes 140 lodges, a spa, pool, and shop within the Greencroft Forest Park, was recommended for refusal by Durham County Council. The decision was deferred pending further surveys, with concerns voiced about the impact on the landscape, flooding, and transport sustainability.
Applicant True North stated the park would create 160 construction jobs and 44 permanent roles, injecting £2.1m into the local economy. However, the Reform UK-led council received 27 objections. Lanchester Wines and the Durham County Badger Group are among those opposing the scheme, citing significant ecological and biodiversity impacts, particularly concerning an exceptional badger population. The badger group claims the applicant has not adequately protected these species, reinforcing the need for thorough environmental assessments before any decision is made.
