Residents fury as planning application submitted for tourist lodges
The developer hopes it will be a huge boost for the local economy
Daniel MorrowTrainee reporter
West Drayton Farm (Image: RSK ADAS Ltd)
Residents say that plans for holiday lodges will 'ruin' a village near Retford as planning documents have been submitted to the council.
RSK ADAS Ltd submitted plans to Bassetlaw District Council for the tourist lodges at West Drayton Farm in March 4.
The documents include plans to demolish a redundant farm workshop and erect two storey four bedroomed lodges.
Developers are also seeking to 'maximise the use of existing buildings' on the site by carrying out a number of conversions.
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Included in these is plans to convert a garage into offices, storage space and farm shop, while upgrading the existing access for vehicles from Old London Road and Church Lane.
All of this will be built land the size of 0.3 hectares and is being aimed at families, large groups and couples.
It is hoped that the development will be a huge boost to the local economy in the local area, as the developer has stated that it will be an 'important facility to support tourism in the district and region'.
Elevations for the tourist lodges proposed to by built at West Drayton Farm (Image: AAD Architects)
But not everyone is happy over the plans, as residents in West Drayton have expressed their fury over the potential impact they believe it could have on the area.
The planning application has so far had seven objections.
A resident, who asked not to be named, said that it could 'ruin the village' if these plans are given approval by Bassetlaw District Council .
He said: "We want planning permission denied for this development, but we do not have a lot of confidence in doing that.
"This is a little quiet hamlet village and I don't want that to change. We already have issues with the build-up of traffic in the area and this development will make things worse.
"I have been here for 11 years, but some have been here all of their lives. Everyone in the village is united that they do not want this building work to go ahead.
"There is a number of hotels and campsites in close proximity of the village, but for some reason they want to plonk it here.
"It is an outrageous proposal that could destroy the village.
"We don't want West Drayton to become commercialised as a result and there are many willing to give up thousands of pounds to prevent it from going ahead."
RSK ADAS Ltd has said that it has had 'unequivocal support' for the development, stating that it will enhance West Drayton farm as a tourist destination in a sustainable manner.
The developer adds that potential impacts on noise and privacy will not be compromised as a result of these lodges.
It also adds that upgrade may have to be carried out in order to support the additional traffic the site may bring to the area.
The planning statement concludes: "The client aims to enhance the tourism destination of West Drayton Farm through maximising the re-use of existing buildings through sensitive re-use and were appropriate remodelling.
"Development proposals will have no harmful impact upon the surrounding landscape, visual amenity and biodiversity of the area.
"It offers the opportunity to restore West Drayton Farm in line with the character of the settlement.
"Overall, the proposal will make significant contributions to the local economy through employment and the provision of a small shop for guests.
"The applicant, looks forward to engaging with the council throughout the determination period of this application and for the reasons set out within this statement, it is respectfully requested that planning permission is granted."
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