LOCALS are up in arms over the controversial proposal to turn a 300-year-old “landmark” into a holiday park with 80 lodges.
The plans involve the redevelopment of Browston Hall near Gorleston, Norfolk, from an historic estate into a caravan park and spa complex, capable of having 418 visitors.
Under the proposals Browston Hall would be transformed into a caravan park and spa complex[/caption]
The proposals have been submitted in two parts, which will be decided separately[/caption]
An application has been lodged in two parts, concerning the east and south sides, with each being determined separately.
Under the plans for the east part, 50 lodges, classed as caravans, would be built along with a new leisure facility, complete with snooker, a golf simulator, ten-pin bowling and a café, which would be part of the existing, modern extension to listed Browston Hall.
Meanwhile, the bar, restaurant, tennis and bowling green will all remain.
However, the driving range will be demolished in order to build a new spa.
The south side will see a nine-hole golf course make way for 32 new lodges, under the proposals, set in a countryside environment with grassed areas.
More than 100 objections though have been raised from local parish councils, the Norfolk and Suffolk Wildlife Trusts, the Norfolk Badger Trust, as well as concerned members of the public.
Residents say Browston is a quiet hamlet which doesn’t have a bus service, cycle lanes or employement structure and is not equipped to cope with a fourfold increase in population.
One resident told the Eastern Daily Press: “We bought our dream home in a dream location.
“Now it’s threatened by a huge holiday development that will destroy the peace and tranquillity of Browston.”
Concerns have also aired about noise pollution, traffic congestion and public safety.
Another objection raised concerns about drunk holidaymakers who might try to ride local horses, posing a risk to both the animal and people.
Browston Hall Golf and Leisure Ltd said in a planning statement the proposals are essential to the long-term sustainability of the business.
The company says the golf course and driving range currently operate at a loss and only stay open thanks to the financial backing of the owner.
They say: “At present the business operates at a loss and is only able to continue operations as a result of the owner’s financial support.
“The golf course is one of the largest financial ‘strains’ on the business with its maintenance costs significantly exceeding the annual revenue it generates.
“One of the major issues affecting the sustainability of the business, in particular the wedding venue, is the absence of any overnight accommodation for guests.
“Offering overnight accommodation and expanding the facilities to deliver a sustainable, high quality rural holiday destination, will allow the business to return to profitability in time.”
Browston Hall is a historic building that dates back the 17th century but there has been significant rebuilding and extensions carried out in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
The Sun Online has contacted Browston Hall for comment.
More than 100 objections have been raised about the plans[/caption]
