BROKERSWOOD Country Park looks set to close to day visitors after controversial plans to convert it into a holiday park were given the green light this month.
Despite strong objections from five parish councils and a Brokerswood residents’ group, plus over 250 letters from local people, Wiltshire Council granted permission for Haulfryn Group to put 120 holiday plots at the popular country park near Westbury.
The move will mean the country park – which used to see around 46,000 visitors per year – will no longer be open for people to walk round. However, 20 caravan and camping spaces will be retained and people will still be able to book onto outdoor activities.
Wiltshire councillor for the area, Horace Prickett, spoke out against the plans.
He told White Horse News, “I’m very disappointed with the decision. Of course the area needs tourism – it’s a big money earner – but this facility is not at all for local people.
“Haulfryn builds expensive resorts that are most likely to be used by well-off people travelling into the area. Those of us living nearby will have lost a very useful, very good local asset that has been here for many years and enjoyed by many generations.
“Perhaps the biggest problem is that the views of local people have been totally ignored. There will be major problems with traffic and they will be the ones who suffer. I congratulate everyone who went to the meeting and who did the research to fight against this application.”
The park, which opened in 1968, is expected to see a total overhaul and lose the miniature railway, part of the adventure playground, the former museum, and parking and touring spaces.
The project would create a number of new jobs for the area, and plans indicate that each of the 90 holiday lodges could be expected to contribute to the local economy to the tune of between £550 and £860 per week.
Tracey Peachment, leader of a Brokerswood residents’ group said, “This application has been approved despite being completely contrary to planning policy. As a community it is essential that we can rely on our local government planning department to uphold the policies it puts in place and to apply those policies fairly.
“We thank the parish councils for their unanimous objection and those county councillors who are also clearly in opposition and who have supported us by speaking on our behalf and voting to refuse this development.”
The owners of Brokerswood declined to comment.
To view the full plans and comments enter reference number 16/00587/FUL in the planning search at www.wiltshire.gov.uk
