A running club has thrown its weight behind the campaign against the construction of 67 holiday cabins in ‘unspoilt’ Delamere Forest.

The Chronicle revealed in July that the Forestry Commission and Forest Holidays’ controversial plans – which also include a replacement visitor centre, improved access roads and new parking – for the forest’s Kingswood area were back on the table, despite being rejected by then Communities Secretary Eric Pickles two years ago.

Now Delamere Spartans – who fought the original application – has spoken out against the proposal again.

The trail running club use the forest as their ‘home base’, as they prefer the ‘tranquility of an unspoiled off-road environment’.

But they fear the £15m development – if it got the green light – would ‘seriously impact’ their training.

Speaking on behalf of the club, run leader Nick Wishart has told of their ‘extreme disappointment’ that the application has been resubmitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council, albeit with three fewer timber cabins.

“It is our steadfast opinion that Delamere is not an appropriate location and that our valuable green belt should be protected at all costs,” he said.

“We, the residents and local community, place enormous value on the forest and our ability to use the entire area and its open access, unspoiled nature.

“Solitude and quiet trails are a highly valued benefit of visiting the area.”

Mr Pickles over-ruled Cheshire West and Chester Council’s strategic planning committee decision to grant permission for the original proposed scheme after a Government inspector decided that, on balance, the scheme was inappropriate because of the harm to the green belt.

Nick and the Delamere Spartans believe the latest application is not all that different to the first one, and chief among their concerns are a potential increase in traffic and the subsequent need for more parking.

'Loss of amenity'

“The loss of this amenity would have an extremely negative impact on the Delamere Spartans and the many other forest users who come to experience and enjoy one of the few remaining areas of wild, public, open access and undeveloped countryside in the North West,” added Nick.

But according to the Forestry Commission, the local economy could benefit from around £2.5million per year if the project is granted permission, and around 56 jobs could be created.

Andy Medhurst, forest management director, said: “Delamere Forest is hugely popular and we know at times struggles to cope with the number of people who come to visit.

Problem-solving plans

“The plans would allow us to solve the challenge of hosting the 750,000 people who enjoy the forest each year by improving how they get in and out of the forest and expanding parking.

“We want to address the frustrations felt by people living nearby as well as visitors and improve the experience with first-rate facilities for the range of ages and groups that we welcome every day.”