Plans submitted to build 70 cabins and Go Ape centre in County Durham forest

Forestry England has today (November 14) confirmed that detailed plans set to transform Hamsterley Forest in Bishop Auckland are now set to be considered by the council.

Some of the future £32.6m plans for the 5,000-acre forest include a net zero visitor centre, a bunkhouse, and camping area – but now need to be approved by Durham County Council.

Proposed location of cabins. (Image: DURHAM COUNCIL PLANNING PORTAL) This application follows years of planning and consultations within the local community – with the tourist board Visit County Durham describing the development as a possible “game changer”.

Following the announcement, Kevin May, Forest Management Director for Forestry England’s North district has said: “We’re delighted to officially submit our proposals to Durham County Council. The project has been designed with the forest’s long-term future in mind, balancing the needs of visitors, wildlife, and the local community.

“We believe our proposals are sensitive to residents and local communities, and keep the forest evolving in a way that responds to the demands of local, regional and national needs.”

Plans for the floorplan of a 4 bedroom cabin. (Image: DURHAM COUNCIL PLANNING PORTAL) In the 200-page document, which is available to view on the Durham County Council Planning Portal, Forestry England has included further information on traffic issues, jobs, and more.

Documents detail that car access is set to be confined for Forest Holidays customers only, as well as intent for the cabins to be accessed from the public highway, using Bedburn Road from the A68.

A strict 10mph speed limit is also set to be enforced by “trained” staff.

Non-seasonal, all-year quality jobs paying above the living wage are also set to be created, with the estimated number currently standing at 135.

The site plan. (Image: DURHAM COUNCIL PLANNING PORTAL) Sketches are also included of the exact planned locations for the cabins and campsites 

The submission comes just over two months after a consultation took place at Auckland Tower – where locals and residents expressed mixed reviews about the development.

Some said they think changing the face of the forest is “great” whilst others believe it would have an impact on habitats in the forest.

Pensioners Frank and Marian Holmes, aged 77 and 78, were some of the first to visit the tower to see the plans on September 10.

Planed campsite in Hamsterley Forest. (Image: DURHAM COUNCIL PLANNING PORTAL) The Weardale couple often visit the forest for walks but told The Northern Echo they felt “worried” about the impact the development could have.

Glyn Humphries, aged 53, was another person who came to check out the plans. The Spennymoor dad is a keen mountain biker and visits the forest frequently to enjoy the trails.

For him, the development could be very positive if it gets the go-ahead.

He told The Northern Echo: “Overall, I think it is good. I have been to other forests which have been upgraded with things like a bigger café and bike hub.

“GoApe is something I am not really interested in personally but I think it will attract other people. My only concern is that there is a plan for 70 cabins which I think is a big development. 70 seems a lot.

“I am thinking whether this would increase traffic into Hamsterley when already the roads aren’t the best.”

Public consultation at Auckland Tower in September. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) However, many in the village of Hamsterley have expressed strong views on the development and have previously expressed intent to submit objections to the council when the time came.

The group has named themselves the Hamsterley Forest Action Group – and has set up a petition to “save” the forest which has nearly reached 2,000 signatures.

They believe that objecting to proposals would “preserve the existing tranquillity and natural environment” of the forest and have been rallying together those with similar concerns on social media.

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Meeting of the Hamsterley Forest Action Group. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) At a meeting on September 18, many locals expressed concern about the development.

One woman said: “They do not care about the village – it is just a route in and out. If we must put up with this now, imagine what it will be like if these plans go ahead.

“Our village will be absolutely destroyed.”