Plans for a campsite in a forest pose a “risk to life” and could pollute waterways, the Environment Agency (EA) has said.
Forestry England and Forest Holidays want to build 70 cabins, a campsite, cafe, restaurant, shop and staff accommodation in Hamsterley Forest, County Durham.
In a letter of objection, the EA said the campsite would be on a flood plain at the bottom of a valley meaning there was a “danger” for campers.
Durham County Council planning manager Stephen Reed, said he was unable to comment on the EA’s objection as it was a live application. Forest Holidays and Forestry England have been contacted for comment.
The EA said flood warnings would be “highly likely to come too late” for an effective evacuation of the entire campsite.
Routes out of the campsite would be forest tracks crossing or next to watercourses which might themselves be dangerous in the event of heavy rain, the agency added.
It recommended the whole campsite be relocated to an area with less flood risk, saying otherwise there would be a “risk to life and property” and a “danger for all people”.
The use of a non-mains foul water drainage system could also pose an “unacceptable risk of pollution”, the agency said.
Resident Marc Shepherd said he would be directly affected if the scheme was approved as Bedburn Beck, which was planned to receive waste, flows through his garden.
