Green light for new holiday lodges in South Downs National Park

Green light for new holiday lodges in South Downs National Park

August 19, 2024

Twenty-two lodges have been given the go-head in a boost for the National Park’s tourism offer.

The self-contained units on a three-hectare site at Garrison Hill, Droxford, were approved by the Authority’s Planning Committee, subject to a legal agreement.

The site was formerly occupied by the Upland Park Hotel, which closed in 2012 and derelict 1930s buildings have since been demolished.

As well as a range of lodges, the plans include a spa building, a manager’s lodge, parking, as well as extensive landscaping, drainage and ecological improvements. The site borders the River Meon and broad-leaved native trees will be planted to replace existing non-native conifers. A 10m-wide river bank corridor will be managed as dappled shade to enhance habitat for water voles, while the existing grassland and meadows will be managed to improve species diversity. The spa building will also include a flat green roof.

The site previously had permission for a similar holiday lodge development, but the plans were refined to improve the landscaping, visual impact, drainage and provide greater accessibility options for people with disabilities. The new scheme includes less hardstanding, less light spill and the buildings are lower in height. Because the site is in a critical water supply area for Portsmouth Water, first-class sustainable drainage measures are being employed.

Richard Ferguson, Development Management Lead, said: “This is a carefully thought-out proposal that will bring a boost to the tourism sector following the closure of the hotel. It makes good use of a derelict site. The holiday lodges are close to the Meon Valley Trail and I think will be very popular with both walkers and cyclists looking to explore the National Park.”