Hampshire theme park's holiday village plans backed at consultation

Paultons Park near Ower has launched a consultation on its scheme to build a holiday village on its New Forest land.

Plans for 129 Scandinavian-style lodges, cabins and suites went on display at the park on Monday, October 12.

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Ower residents who attended the consultation said that they were encouraged by what they saw.

Jim Fowler, who attended with his son Joseph, said: “We are local residents, so it was in our best interests to come along today.

Joseph (left) and Jim Fowler (Image: Chris Atkinson)

“It is a massive site, so we wanted to see if it would impact us. And it looks like there is nothing to worry about. There is an existing issue with traffic, but it needs to be balanced with the rural economy. And I am not against progress. I just wanted to see if it would impact myself and my neighbours, and it doesn’t.”

Paul Donaldson, who lives near the theme park, also backed the plans: “The design is very good and strong. I think it is very thoughtful. The attention to detail is very positive. And it is not going to be fully built until at least 2030. That is just my view on it.”

Mr Donaldson said the design team had considered the potential impact on traffic, noise and light. He said: “For me, I think the bigger thing is understanding where the park is going and what its direction is. This takes some of the last bits of land it has and develops on it.”

Nikki Hampton, of Romsey Road, said: “The plans are brilliant.”

Nikki Hampton (Image: Chris Atkinson)

She continued: “They don’t really affect me. There are certain times (the park) gets busy, but it is not too bad. It is a great location with a lot of wildlife. The park is very good at keeping nice and clean as well, which is good, and helping the traffic flow.

“It makes sense for them to do this.”

Charlie Grandidge said: “I think the location (of the holiday village) is really good. It is out of the way of the residents. It will not affect us with the light and noise. The only real worry is how it will affect the water levels of the river, but apparently, they have accounted for that in the design.”

James Mancey, Paultons Park’s deputy managing director, said the holiday village would cut road traffic by giving guests somewhere to stay on site.

The scheme would be built in phases and cost more than £20m.

Mr Mancey said: “This is all about getting planning permission at the moment, and making sure the scheme is right for the park and the local area. We’re always expanding Paultons and re-investing in the product, it’s important to us that we maintain a quality attraction and be competitive in our market, and offer something that is world class and we’re proud of.”

People can respond to the consultation online until Sunday, October 25.

Comments can be emailed to consultation@paultons.co.uk.