The 230 acre site in the Vale of Belvoir, was a large gypsum quarry prior to its purchase by investors. The Forward Land team were appointed to lead the masterplan and deliver detailed planning consent for a sustainable leisure scheme. We brought together an experienced team of architects, ecological, landscape and transport consultants.
Partial restoration works had been carried out which provided ecological enhancement and some amenity use for the local community. The opportunity was to build on these to create an asset which also provided economic benefits. The team had to take into account the sensitive biodiversity that had established on the site since the cessation of quarrying operations. These aspects were incorporated into the masterplan with equal importance to the design of the building and guest experience.
The masterplan contained 34 self catering lodges, a 25 bedroom Inn, a watersports building, café and event space. Buildings were designed to nestle into the landscape with as green roofs, ground source heating, modern methods of construction with timber frames. Alongside the buildings and landscape enhancement the team advised on the essential operational features.
The site is incongruous alongside two of the smallest villages in England, just outside Newark in Nottinghamshire which meant the consultation process had to be handled with due care. Extensive public consultation took place with local parish councillors, ward councillors, business leaders and members of the public. This process revealed the local passion for the site and allowed for community views to be incorporated wherever feasible. The consultation allowed the team to accurately explain the details within the masterplan and the wide ranging benefits. Detailed consent was achieved by unanimous vote from the planning committee.
Planning consent resulted in a significant uplift in value of the assets held by the investors’ pension funds. A material start has since taken place and Forward Land are aware that the site is currently listed for sale by investors with an asking price of £3million.
