The Grove Hamsterley Forest residents speak out amidst plans

Those living at The Grove cottages in Hamsterley Forest have voiced multiple concerns regarding proposals for a £32.6m development by Forestry England to build a GoApe, 70 log cabins a campsite & more – the latter of which would be located a stone's throw from their homes.

Plans were submitted to the council earlier this month after discussions first began in 2021.

By the end of September of this year, public consultations were held within the local community - leading tourist board Visit County Durham describing the development as a possible "game changer".

The Grove, Hamsterley Forest. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) However, some residents living at the heart of the forest at a row of cottages named The Grove say they feel “cheated” and blindsided by the plans despite their love for the forest and its visitors.

Mother and son Sadie and Jacob Beaney are the two newest residents of The Grove – having only moved in six months ago after “falling in love” with the peaceful atmosphere in Hamsterley Forest.

39-year-old Jacob, a former RAF Serviceman, has served across the world on the front line – and explained part of the reason they moved to the forest was for some well-earned solitude.

But, now they have admitted they feel “cheated” as they say they were unaware of any plans to change the area before they bought the house and moved in.

Jacob said: “I joined the military when I was 17 – and I had a fantastic and busy career. I enjoyed my time but spent a lot of it at war.

(Image: NORTHERN ECHO) “And when I came home to London, I said I didn’t feel at home anymore, so we moved up here. I needed a bit of peace and quiet.

“It is a glorious place to live. The fact there is such a small community here is amazing and the forest is lovely. Plus, everyone who comes to use the forest is really friendly.”

Sadie added: “But when we moved here, we had no knowledge of any plans or proposals to change the forest. We feel cheated.”

The pair then went on to state that had they known of Forestry England’s plans, they may never have bought their home in the first place.

Jacob continued: “I just wouldn’t have bought the house. It would have been a complete dealbreaker. I wouldn’t have entertained the idea.

“We know we don’t own the forest – we have no ownership of it and have no right to say who does and does not come in.

“But, when we’re talking about a campsite that I could throw a stone to, the amount of noise, chaos and traffic this could bring is through the roof.

“People come here to enjoy the tranquillity – but by inviting more people, tranquillity is the one thing that will be destroyed.”

The Grove's history stretches back centuries.

The home is a former summer hunting home with links back to the early 1800s - secluded amidst groaning trees and a bubbling stream.

The home was once owned by the Surtees family – before it was sold off to the Forestry Commission in the 1920s. Currently, nine people live in smaller sections of The Grove that have been split up over the years.

Two of the other occupants, who have retired to the forest have a strong family connection to The Grove.

Helene Close’s grandparents Leo and Helen Lewin escaped to England from Germany in 1939 before the start of the Second World War.

Both she and her father were subsequently brought up at The Grove – which through time has been extended and sold off piece by piece, allowing new neighbours to move in.

The Grove, Hamsterley Forest. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Helene said: “(My grandparents) came to West Auckland because they were in clothing manufacturing – and they were offered a site to make clothes for the army.

“That’s what they did, and they eventually came here to The Grove because it reminded them of where they used to live – they just wanted to get away from everything.”

Helene still lives at The Grove with her husband, Russell.

Whilst the pair say they love the bustle of activity in the forest, they are concerned about traffic, wildlife, safety and water supply should plans get the green light.

“Personally, we aren’t against people using the forest,” Russell emphasised.

“I’ve lived here 50 years and my wife 70. We have seen the forest evolve to become a wonderful place where people come from towns and cities to visit it.

“We are just lucky enough to live in it and I enjoy the fact that people can come and visit it. But what seems wrong to me is that the forest is always referred to as being big but where we live is the one of the only places that isn’t forested.

“We enjoy the activity in the forest – but it needs to be done in a proper and respectful way.”

Crossroads access to The Grove. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Sketches of just some of the plans, available to view on the Durham County Council planning portal, show that a bunkhouse, pod field, safari tent field, and seasonal camping field would be built along the road a matter of minutes away from The Grove.

Left to right: Jacob Beaney, Leonie McWatson and Sadie Beaney. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Access to said campsite would be from the east at Bedburn along Redford Lane.

But, it can also be accessed from Grove Road – a single carriage road crossing a grade II listed bridge that they themselves often feel “scared” of using as they deem it “unsafe”.

“We’re constantly pulling people out of ditches on Grove Road,” Russell added – stating his concern that should more cars use the road, the higher chance of accidents taking place.

Said concern from residents extends to the emergency services who would be using said thin roads to reach the campsite and other new developments should there be an incident.

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Nature surrounding The Grove. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) When asked what they will do should the plans get the go-ahead in a “correct manner”, the group admitted that they believe it would warrant an improvement to Grove Road.

However, they agreed they would all install new security measures as the campsite would be so close to their homes.

Jacob added: “I think I would be heartbroken – I’d feel so cheated. It’s not what we bought.”

When asked about the concerns of residents living at The Grove, Forestry England said it would be "unlikely" Grove Road would be used by visitors.

A spokesperson said: "We acknowledge the points raised by residents of the Grove, however the Transport Statement, prepared by Highway Engineers and informed by traffic surveys, anticipates the majority of traffic to come from Redford Lane. 

"Visitors of the campsite are unlikely to be local and would not be familiar with Grove Road.  Signage and pre-visit information would direct traffic visiting the forest.

"Discussions with the County Highways team confirm that the existing highway conditions will adequately accommodate the additional traffic, without the need for improvement.

"If issues arise through consultation to contradict this, then discussions could be had over possible enhancements.

"Hamsterley attracts around 200,000 visitors a year. Our visitors’ come to enjoy the Forest and we find them to be responsible and respectful of the environment they come to spend time in."