Staffordshire Holiday Park Proposal Delayed Over Green Belt Concerns

A decision on a proposed holiday destination and country park at the former Brereton Colliery in Staffordshire has been delayed, with Cannock Chase Council deferring the application for six months to allow the applicant time to address technical concerns.

The project, brought forward by Avison Young on behalf of the landowner, seeks to transform the 69.1-acre site—comprised of grassland and naturally regenerating woodland—into a destination featuring a country park, a visitor center with a shop and café, and 100 wooden holiday lodges. 

According to a report by Insider Media, proponents argue that the development would contribute to the local economy, creating jobs both during and after construction.

A planning statement supporting the application highlighted the potential economic benefits, stating that the project “will bring back to life a former colliery site that has been seen as a problem for the local area in the past.” 

The statement added that “the proposed visitor facilities and holiday lodges will bring new visitors whose spending at local shops and on local services will help boost the local economy and sustain local jobs in the area.”

Despite these anticipated benefits, a report to the planning committee raised concerns regarding the impact on the green belt. 

They state that the proposal “would fail to preserve the openness of the green belt and would, by reason of encroachment, conflict with the purposes of including land within it and hence constitutes inappropriate development.”

For professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector, the outcome of this case may set a precedent for similar developments on reclaimed industrial sites. 

With increasing demand for nature-based accommodations, such projects present opportunities for repurposing underutilized land, but they must navigate complex zoning and environmental regulations. 

The six-month deferral allows time for potential adjustments to align with planning requirements, which could provide insights for developers working on comparable projects in the industry.

The decision remains pending as the applicant works to resolve the identified issues.