Appeal lodged to keep holiday accommodation at Scatterbrook Stables, Woodlands, after New Forest National Park Authority refusal

Keeping a tourist accommodation development would benefit the New Forest environmentally and economically, an appeal has argued.

Stephen Parker is challenging New Forest National Park Authority’s refusal of retrospective planning permission for seven shepherd huts and two timber and metal-clad shipping containers.

The development, at Scatterbrook Stables on Ringwood Road at Woodlands, has a toilet block with timber decking.

It also includes recycling/waste storage, a parking and turning area, footpaths and associated landscaping, and a cesspit.

The NPA ruled it went against policies in the Local Plan, saying there was no allowance for pitches to be moved to less sensitive areas.

It also said holidaymakers’ activity, including potential noise and light pollution, and additional traffic movements on the narrow access track, would erode the immediate surrounding area and wider national park’s character.

The NPA added there was no assurance the proposal would not harm “ecological sensitivities” of nearby protected sites.

But Mr Parker’s appeal states the development would reduce pressure on existing tourist provision in the national park’s more sensitive areas.

It would allow prospective visitors to make use of other established local businesses and facilities in the Netley Marsh area, it said.

The appellant was also willing to reduce the number of huts from seven to three and use the site only from the end of April to early September.

The appeal will be decided by written representations, and any comments should be sent to the Bristol Planning Inspectorate by 12th March.