By Abdullahi Lukman
Plans have been submitted for a £20 million wildlife conservation centre and holiday lodge development near Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, with the proposed project expected to create about 60 jobs during construction.
Applicant Ursula Davidson has applied to Ashfield District Council to develop land off Mawkin Lane, west of Kirkby-in-Ashfield. The scheme would include 16 wildlife enclosures, 15 wildlife houses and 17 holiday lodges.
The proposed facility is intended to combine wildlife conservation with tourism and education, with the developers citing growing demand for countryside-based staycations.
Planning documents say the project would provide a conservation facility and educational resource for local communities while attracting visitors from outside the district.
The development would include 15 two-bedroom lodges and two single-bedroom lodges, while two of the wildlife houses would also provide guest accommodation.
The site is expected to generate up to 23,300 overnight stays annually.
Construction is projected to take about two years. The operator also plans to work with schools, colleges and training providers to offer apprenticeships, work placements, educational visits and skills-development opportunities.
Several members of the public have expressed support for the proposal, with supporters highlighting its potential benefits for wildlife conservation, tourism, employment and education.
However, the planning documents do not specify which animal species would be kept at the proposed facility.
If approved, public access would be restricted to pre-booked visits, with only one public booking permitted each day. The site would primarily serve visitors staying at the holiday accommodation.
