Hamsterley Forest Plans spark debate at public meeting

Dozens of residents gathered at the Hamsterley and District Social club on Wednesday night (September 18) for a meeting led by the Hamsterley Forest Action group – a local collective who say they are aiming to "submit robust and legitimate objections" to plans when they are presented to the council.

This comes just over a week after locals were given their first look at the proposals by Forestry England in conjunction with Forest Holidays and GoApe to construct an outdoor adventure centre, a campsite as well as 70 cabins.

Meeting at the Hamsterley and District Social club. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

An exhibition at Auckland Tower in Bishop Auckland generated mixed emotions from residents, some of whom expressed worries about its scale and impact on wildlife habitats in the 5,000 acre forest.

A full planning application to “improve visitor experience” at the forest is yet to be submitted - it will be considered by Durham County Council in due course.

The meeting kicked off at 6.30pm.

Leading the meeting was Tonya Antonis, a member of the action group’s committee, who thanked the crowd, Kevin May representing Forestry England and Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth.

Among the issues raised by the group were transport, wildlife, sewage discharges and more with Tonya telling the meeting that the committee wanted to bring to light “some of the concerns people have raised to us”.

Meeting at the Hamsterley and District Social club. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Moving on to environmental impact, some concerns were raised regarding transport and vehicles moving through the village, as some argued the village of Hamsterley would become a “rat run” should the project go ahead.

Mr May, Forestry England managing director, was attending the meeting to listen - but ended up with the microphone taking questions from villagers.

The first woman to raise her hand flagged up traffic worries, explaining that during the pandemic, a ban on visitors meant she could stand outside and talk to her neighbours.

However, that was said to have changed when restrictions ended, and tourists returned.

She said: “They do not care about the village – it is just a route in and out. If we must put up with this now, imagine what it will be like if these plans go ahead.

“Our village will be absolutely destroyed.”

Following questions regarding the “demand” for accommodation in the area, Mr May said: “The reason why I work for this organisation is because we deliver fantastic things for people, nature, and the economy. The visitors we get seem to echo that.”

Meeting at the Hamsterley and District Social club. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

One attendee was quick to snap back: “But it’s not for the villagers. So, we should cater for people who come into this village and don’t even live here?”

Another round of applause came when a resident said that “all (Forestry England) are offering the village is heartache”.

Lastly, asked whether there is a plan B should the council reject plans for the forest, Mr May said: “We’ll just have to leave ourselves to the planning process and see what happens.”

Following the meeting, Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth said: “It is really impressive that the Hamsterley community have come together tonight.

“It shows not only the strength of feeling on the issue but what community they have here – and that is a wonderful thing.

“In regard to the development itself, it’s obvious that there are strong feelings on both sides. There are economic opportunities but there are also risks that the forest ends up not being public and going into private hands.

“People here have got very legitimate concerns, particularly about the traffic through the village. I think the job that needs to be done is Forestry England and the people of Hamsterley coming together and work out what they agree on – and what are the actual concerns.”

Kevin May, Forest Management Director for the North of England, said: “It was positive to have been invited to a meeting which had been organised by a group of people who live in the forest or very close by and are opposed to the proposed developments of Hamsterley Forest. 

“I felt it was important to attend and listen to their views. What I heard generally reflected what was shared with us at a recent meeting with local parish councils and at 2 public exhibitions arranged by Forestry England at Hamsterley Forest and in Bishop Auckland where we shared detail of our proposals. 

“Understandably increased traffic, sewerage management and water abstraction were the main issues raised. 

“At the point of submitting our planning application all the relevant details will be provided to ensure the relevant authorities have the required information to support the planning decision process.”