Plans to build a holiday village of log cabins have been rejected by Winchester city councillors at a recent meeting.
The plans for the holiday village would have seen 98 log cabins and car parking space for nearly two hundred cars, built in the ancient woodland area of Black Wood which is situated near to Micheldever Station and Winchester.
Although planning officers had initially recommended the plans to be approved, they have been met with strong opposition from local residents, wildlife groups and members of the council. The plans were finally rejected last week at a planning meeting which was called to discuss the proposals.
The log cabins would have attracted more holidaymakers to the area, however the councillors refused to accept the recommendations made by their planning officers by rejecting the scheme.
There was a lot of concern raised that the habitat of animals such as the endangered dormouse would be destroyed if the cabins were constructed.
At the meeting which took place in Warren Hall, Micheldever Station, the plans were rejected by four votes to three meaning the proposals will not be able to go ahead. This decision was met by cheers from the members of the public in attendance.
Speaking to The Daily Echo, Stephen Godfrey, councillor for Micheldever and Wonston had been opposed to the plans.
He told the paper: “The pressure of objections came entirely from local people, the Dever Society and parish council.”
The company wishing to build the holiday village, Forest Holidays, had also hoped to build a shop, café, car park and woodland trails.
They offer accommodation around the United Kingdom and specialise in the weekend break and family holiday markets.
Offering activities for all the family to enjoy such as archery and fishing, the company has a popular fan base in a number of locations throughout the country.