Wickwoods Woodland Lodges
Overview
In 2020 ECE Planning successfully gained planning permission for 8 no. eco-friendly sustainable retreat lodges at Wickwoods Country Club, Hotel & Spa within the South Downs National Park.
Two years later and ECE Planning are delighted to announce that a new revised application has been submitted and granted planning permission for a reduced number of eco-friendly sustainable retreat lodges (5no. in total) and the addition of two paddle tennis courts which will be provided by way of an extension to the existing tennis court building.
The proposed lodges will be single storey, stilted, self-contained timber lodges, each with a raised timber terrace. One of the proposed lodges will provide a ramped access for wheelchair users, ensuring the scheme is an inclusive one. The proposed paddle tennis courts extension will accommodate two full sized paddle tennis courts and an undercover seating area, to allow players and a limited number of visitors to spectate.
The application successfully demonstrated that the reduced number of lodges and provision of paddle tennis courts will enhance the woodland environment within which the site is located and that the layout, form and scale of the development is discrete and appropriate for its setting, having minimal impact on its surroundings in terms of appearance, arboriculture, character, wildlife and ecology. Furthermore, the proposal will ensure the long-term management and enhancement of the woodland through a woodland management plan.
In conclusion, the proposed lodges and paddle tennis courts extension successfully demonstrated that the proposals have been sensitively considered to greatly enhance the site and immensely improve the experience for all who visit Wickwoods Country Club. The use of traditional materials, combined with the juxtaposition of contemporary elements, adds to the sense of quality that embodies the ethos at the centre.