Center Parcs to build fifth site

Leisure resort operator Center Parcs is to build a fifth UK site in Warren Wood, near Woburn in Bedfordshire, after winning an appeal.

The company had been thwarted in its bid for planning permission by Mid Bedfordshire District Council Development Control Committee last July.

At the time the committee had ruled that plans for a £200m resort with 700 forest lodges and a 75-bed hotel would cause too much damage to the local environment, but the decision has now been overturned by the Government.

Martin Dalby, chief executive of Center Parcs, said: "We are delighted that planning approval has been granted for our fifth Centre Parcs. The new village near Woburn will generate significant local economic benefit."

Center Parcs claims the development will create 1,400 jobs. It has also committed to creating a public right of way within the new estate and planting 500,000 new trees in the area.

Building is expected to start at the start of 2009 and the new Center Parcs should open by the end of 2010.

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By Chris Druce

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