Environment & Climate

Environment Agency objects to Hamsterley Forest campsite plan over flood danger

The regulator warned that the proposed County Durham development poses a risk to life and could contaminate local waterways.

Updated Aug 24, 2026 · 05:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

The Environment Agency filed an objection against a proposed tourism development in Hamsterley Forest, citing serious flood and pollution risks.
The joint proposal by Forestry England and Forest Holidays includes 70 cabins, a campsite, a cafe, a restaurant, a shop, and staff facilities.
The agency raised alarms over valley floodplain evacuation challenges and the use of a non-mains drainage system near local streams.
Durham County Council is reviewing the live application alongside the regulator's objections.

Forestry England and Forest Holidays proposed building 70 cabins, a campsite, a cafe, a restaurant, and other amenities in Hamsterley Forest, County Durham.[BBC News]
The Environment Agency submitted a formal objection, stating the valley-bottom campsite sits on a flood plain and presents a danger to life due to limited evacuation routes via forest tracks.[BBC News]
The regulator cautioned that a proposed non-mains foul water drainage system poses an unacceptable pollution risk to watercourses, including Bedburn Beck.[BBC News]
The Environment Agency stated that the planning application lacked sufficient assessments regarding noise disturbance and potential impacts on otters and water voles.[BBC News]
Durham County Council stated it will review the Environment Agency's concerns as part of the active planning determination process.[BBC News]

Whether Durham County Council will reject the proposal, approve it, or require the developers to relocate the campsite and amend the drainage scheme.[BBC News]