Reservoir holiday flats plan to go before council

Controversial plans to create new holiday apartments at Bewl Water reservoir are due to be debated by councillors.

The applicant, Bewl Events and Waterparks Ltd, hopes to convert the Boat House Bistro building and an adjacent fishing facility into 11 holiday lets at the reservoir, near Wadhurst, East Sussex.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported the plans had "raised concerns" regarding potential environmental impacts, and Wealden District Council had received 150 letters of objection.

The applicant said Bewl Water was "recognised as a valuable leisure recreational, activity and training centre".

"The provision of overnight tourist accommodation will be an attractive offer to those who wish to stay and experience Bewl Water for more than a day," the applicant added.

Objectors, including Sussex Wildlife Trust, have expressed concerns including light pollution and the potential impact on local wildlife, in particular roosting gulls.

According to campaign group, Friends of Bewl Water, more than 170 species of birds regularly visit the area, which also provides a habitat for more than 20 species of dragonflies.

Wadhurst and Ticehurst parish councils commissioned a public consultation last autumn over the proposal in which 88.7% of respondents said preserving Bewl Water as a nature reserve was the "top priority".

Over 81% said they opposed converting the former sailing and water sports clubhouse into holiday lets.

Claire Moore, a Wadhurst parish councillor, said: "We are not against visitors coming to Bewl Water. In fact, we have thousands coming each year to enjoy its natural environment."

She said wildlife tourism should be promoted so visitors could "enjoy the outdoors while appreciating wildlife".

Moore said last year Natural England had recommended Bewl Water be designated as a Special Protection Area for its unique habitats.

"Natural habitats are declining in the UK, and we should do what we can to protect our natural spaces," she said.

The applicant insisted the proposal was "entirely compatible" with the character of the High Weald and would "generate economic benefits".

They also proposed part of the existing bistro building set up as a shop, café and a meeting space for water sports clubs, and shower and changing facilities.

The applicant said they had plans to include design features, such as "smart glass technology" intended to limit light spill.

Wealden planning officers said the proposed conditions would be "sufficient to mitigate the harm of the development".

In their report, they wrote: "The planning condition requiring the details of the low-level lighting would prevent the installation of flood and security lighting and other external lighting other than that approved by the council."

The report added if "sufficient controls" and management were in place, it believed the holiday let "would not have a detrimental impact on ecology".

Wealden District Council is due to consider the proposal on 26 February.

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