PLANS to create 60 earth lodges to provide self-catering accommodation at Bewl Water have been unveiled.
The two bedroom earth lodges would be cut into a slope, covered by earth banks and sheltered beneath a wild meadow roof. Each would incorporate high performance construction and renewable energy technologies.
The low-energy units could accommodate up to 240 people and would use existing on site car parking.
It is the latest in a line of significant investments by Markerstudy Leisure aimed at improving the facilities at the 800-acre site since the company bought it from West Ham United owner David Sullivan in September last year.
Each of the lodges will have views of the water and woodland with private outdoor space and will enhance local tourism by providing a perfect base for short break holidays from which to explore Wealden and West Kent.
Andrew Daniells, Chief Operating Officer at Bewl Water, said: “Since taking over the management of Bewl Water Country Park and investing in new facilities and improving the existing leisure activities, it has become clear that there is a demand for high quality self-catering accommodation that is sensitive to the environment.”
The proposals were unveiled at a public viewing held at the Waterside Visitor Centre on Wednesday, November 9, and was attended by 130 people.
Mr Daniells added: “The response from local residents and watersports enthusiasts was overwhelmingly positive. We believe that the addition of self-catering accommodation at Bewl would enable us to play a greater role in supporting other local tourism businesses.
“The earth lodges are an integral part of our long-term strategy to ensure the country park can operate as an all year round destination for outdoor pursuits and continue to improve the facilities for existing watersports users.”
The proposals can be viewed at www.bewlwater-earthlodges.co.uk and following feedback from the public they will be presented as a planning application to Wealden District Council later in the year.
