Chalets scheme at Chapel Farm, Wellow, refused by Newark and Sherwood District Council's planning committee after local objections

An application to add eight holiday lets to 13 already under construction in a traditional English village, accessed by a pitted track, have been refused after a locally-elected representative said the feel of the village was under threat.

The application for Chapel Farm, Wellow, for the chalets and a swimming pool received objections from neighbours and the parish council so went before a meeting of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s planning committee.

The council refused a previous application for 13 holiday lets on the same site, but lost on appeal and those units are now under construction.

Council planning officers recommended approval for the eight additional units.

The minimum size requested was 24sq metres and the largest 44sq metres and they would be built into existing grass bunds.

Local member Tom Smith argued the parish council was against the proposal.

Mr Smith said Wellow was a unique and lovely village with a maypole set on a village green, describing it as a textbook historic little village that was being threatened.

Planning committee member Malcolm Brock said: “The strength of feeling from the community makes a very compelling case indeed. There is an enormous impact on the village.”

Maureen Dobson said she felt the development totally unsuitable and she had to stand by her principals, despite the planning inspector’s view that it was acceptable.

Johno Lee said there were six festivals allowed at the site a year and 300 vehicles movements, saying an extra six would make no difference.

A vote was taken in line with the officer recommendation to approve with conditions, which fell three for and 11 against.

It was then moved and seconded to refuse the application, which was passed by the same tally.

The reasons for refusal were given as the cumulative effect it would create for the village, it represented too large a development, and concerns for the highways’ network even though county highways raised no objection.

The applicant has the right to appeal.