Residents have aired mixed views regarding plans by Forestry England that could see dozens of cabins and a treetop activity centre built in County Durham's largest forest.

Concerns aired at a public exhibition included the potential impact on the peaceful environment of the forest, but others say they are confident the "fantastic space" will be handled sympathetically by the authorities.

Detailed plans for the multi million pound transformation of Hamsterley Forest were revealed at Auckland Tower this week (September 10) by Forestry England.

The forest, which welcomes about 200,000 visitors each year, could soon hold a GoApe outdoor adventure centre, a camp site as well as 70 cabins by Forest Holidays if plans are approved.

Hamsterley Forest plans.Hamsterley Forest plans. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Residents from across the county were given the chance to speak to bosses and air concerns about the plans which were displayed on large boards across a room in the tower and have been worked on since 2021.

Previously, The Northern Echo has spoken to members of the Hamsterley Forest Action Group who say they are aiming to "submit robust and legitimate objections" to plans when they are submitted to the council.

Now, locals have had their first glimpse at detailed plans for the site including the proposed locations of car parks and amenities.

Pensioners Frank and Marian Holmes, aged 77 and 78, were some of the first to visit the tower to see the plans.

The couple are from Weardale and often visit the forest for walks, but told The Northern Echo they felt "worried" about the impact the development could have.

Hamsterley Forest Plans.Hamsterley Forest Plans. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Marian said: "We are worried about what impact the developments could have - especially because of the size and scale of it.

"We have family that visit us from Devon and they use the forest quite often for running and even mountain biking. It was our daughter who reminded us that this exhibition was on today."

Frank added: "It is about striking that balance - it is there for a purpose but it is also a quiet and peaceful environment and not making it feel like a Center Parcs."

When asked whether the development would draw people to other towns including Weardale and Bishop Auckland, the couple were not optimistic.

Frank added: "I think people will just stay there", as his wife Marian agreed that it won't have an impact on small businesses.

Glyn Humphries, aged 53, was another person who came to check out the plans. The Spennymoor dad is a keen mountain biker and visits the forest frequently to enjoy the trails.

For him, the development could be very positive if it gets the go ahead.

Hamsterley Forest Plans.Hamsterley Forest Plans. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

He told The Northern Echo: "Overall, I think it is good. I have been to other forests which have been upgraded with things like a bigger café and bike hub.

"GoApe is something I am not really interested in personally but I think it will attract other people. My only concern is that there is a plan for 70 cabins which I think is a big development. 70 seems a lot.

"I am thinking whether this would increase traffic in to Hamsterley when already the roads aren't the best."

Glyn added hopefully that should the plans get the seal of approval, there will be more bike trails created for him to enjoy. 

Keen camper Ian Simpson from Bishop Auckland, told the Echo he was feeling very positive about the proposed development.

"I am all for it, it's great", Ian said, hoping that it will draw tourists to Bishop Auckland town centre.

Another set of visitors to the exhibition were friends Ann Williams-Moughan, 61, Carol Siddle, 65 and Jackie Tarn, 57, all from Bishop Auckland.

Recommended:

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo for just £3 for 3 months for a limited time only here.

Carol said: "We think it is going to be a fantastic space, and it will be nice to have other people come and see it. Hopefully Forestry England have enough experience that they won't hurt anything.

Ann added: "We were concerned about nature, the flora and fauna, and whether we would lose any of it. But, actually, the way it is run, I think it will be sympathetically done."

Following this public display, observations from residents will be used to develop the plans before a full planning application is submitted to Durham County Council.

To find out more, click here.