Lodge park and farm experience set for approval

Plans for a farm experience centre and lodge park in County Durham look set to get the green light next week.Hedley Planning Services, on behalf of its client, submitted an application to Durham County Council earlier this year for development on a site at Woodlands Park Farm, Consett.Planning consent is sought for a new barn building along with up to 37 holiday lodges, many of which would accommodate families who have a family member with special educational needs and disabilities.The agricultural-style barn would comprise chill/sensory rooms, an art and craft area, meeting spaces and an indoor play zone.Exterior areas would allow visitors to interact with farm animals, with a nature trail through existing woodland also proposed.The application will be considered by the council’s County Planning Committee on 1 September 2020. An officer’s report prepared for the remote meeting recommends that approval is granted, subject to conditions.The recommendation has been made despite 66 letters of objection to the plans.