Holly Hill Wood

Andrew 2026-10-24 13:27:46

Please beaware that a young girl tragicaly lost her life due to a fallen tree two summers ago within these woods. The woods are beutiful but ancient, having people camping within these woods is inviting another tragedy.
For the sake of risking further incidents you would be found to be negligent in granting approval.
Leave the woods for the badgers and deer that roam.

Nick 2026-10-21 13:19:58

As a local resident living close to the proposed site, this application concerns me. A site here would cause noise pollution, litter and a loss of privacy for families living nearby. In addition, parking in the surrounding roads (particularly Thornfield Road & Chalk Pit Road) is already extremely strained, adding this site would cause further congestion.

Jordan 2026-10-21 11:34:08

As this proposal backs directly on the back of property I strongly object to this application. It would cause a lot of disruption - especially the noise and traffic.

JONATHAN 2026-10-21 10:56:18

My garden backs onto these woods, and we have neither been consulted nor advised of this application. These woods are a relatively small patch of woodland, and often from my own garden i can hear hikers do so much as only talking whilst walking past my garden. Having tourists staying up into the early hours, talking and likely drinking, would keep my young children awake in the night, and fires and lighting would scare them in the evening and night time. This is not an exaggeration - I can see from the proposed site map location, that our back windows will look directly onto the proposed area.

A commercial campsite here would cause noise, light pollution and a serious loss of privacy and security for both my own family, and the families living along this boundary.

There will be issues of access, litter and amenities having to be installed too, which are not explained within this application.

I object to this application, in the strongest terms possible. The woodland area proposed is not remote enough to ensure the privacy and security of either the residents, or the glampers.

Sarah 2026-10-21 10:15:20

Having this as a glamping site would destroy the natural habitat of animals, birds and insects and ruin the countryside area. It is likely that rubbish will be left and noise and light created which will cause unnecessary pollution. This is not good for the local community or environment. I strongly object to this application.

louise 2026-10-21 09:33:46

I object this application

Andy 2026-10-20 16:47:30

Looks like a sensible proposal to create investment in the village and allow more people to connect with nature in a sustainable way.

Care must of course be taken to minimise the impact on the local environment both in the construction phase and afterwards.

John 2026-10-20 15:44:03

I strongly object to the proposed glamping site which will have a significant detrimental impact on the character of the woodland and be damaging to the natural environment.  One of the objectives of the club is to “preserve the beauty of the landscape and ensure exempted sites do not cause harm to the amenity value of the landscape”.  In my view a glamping site will degrade the beauty of the landscape and harm the amenity value because of the impact on  the natural ecology of the site and its wildlife, including deers and the protected badger set.  The site itself is relatively small and there is insufficient space to allow any significant engagement in outdoor recreational activities.  As a result the tents and infrastructure are likely to be clearly visible to all of the adjoining properties and destroy the natural beauty of the site

Overall a glamping site would fundamentally change the nature of the woodland which at present acts as a nature reserve, particulary at night when the site is naturally dark and there is no human interference with nature.  This will be adversely affected as users of the site socialise, inevitably creating  noise and general disturbance,  .  There is also the risk that once the site can be accessed non authorised users will try and occupy it.

There are a number of other reasons why this is not a suitable glamping site

The difficulty of access, across a footpath and with no road to allow vehicular access.  Any attempts to provide wider access would have a damaging effect on the environment
The difficulty of providing power via unsightly solar panels 
The difficulty of ensuring adequate waste management - any problems with litter and waste will encourage vermin
It is unclear where the composting toilets  and shower block would be situated and the impact they would have on the environment
Lack of parking facilities

For the reasons above I strongly object to the proposed glamping site  which will fundamentally have an adverse impact on the natural beauty of the landscape 

john 2026-10-20 14:00:30

There are large badger setts that any access would have run close to disturbing the badgers.

Andrew 2026-10-20 11:35:19

I strongly object to the prop0sed issue of an exemption for a glamping site at Holly Hill Wood.
Firstly, I should like to point out that the map on your application is at least 2 years out of date and does not reflect the current residential properties that are adjacent to Holly Hill Wood.

The proposal and indeed the whole organisation seeks to promote the recreational use of woodland. I would like to acknowledge that the area is already utilised by walkers, runners, dog walkers and the like taking advantage of the peaceful rural environment so close to an urban area. Glamping would necessitate the restriction of the use of land by these existing groups.

The plans suggest that a track and gate will be created to give access to the site. This would necessitate crossing at least one if not more public footpaths. Driving vehicles across well used public footpaths will result in increased risk of accidents and injury.

The applications makes no mention of how the detritus (human or camping) caused by overnight stays of up to 28 days will be removed from the site and recycled in accordance with the requirements of the borough.

There is very limited access to the proposed site so it is unclear how emergency services will be able to attend when needed.

In light of the recent very hot and dry summer (which are expected to increase) when official advice discouraged the use of naked flames in outdoor spaces, this proposal would see an increased risk of wild fires in the wood and onto the neighbouring residential properties and arable farm land with the attendant limitation to getting emergency services to the site to stop it.

The wood is home to a badger set and several species of deer. The badgers, in particular, are nocturnal animals and the noise and light pollution would have an impact on their wellbeing.

There are World War 2 artefacts in the wood. The glamping risks damage to these sites.
Holly Hill Wood provides a tranquil environment close to an urban enclave. Allowing the use for overnight stays, social gatherings, music, vehicle movements would have a detrimental effect on the current environment for the people that use it.

Recent and longstanding owners purchased properties adjoining a quiet woodland environment. A commercial glamping operation would negatively alter the established character of the area and diminish the level of peace, privacy, and enjoyment currently experienced by neighbouring occupiers.

Stephen 2026-10-20 09:59:57

As. Resident of nearby Roseacre Close, I strongly object to this development. I feel
that this site is wholly unsuitable for the purpose described.
There are issues with access, with a lack of site services/amenities , I have significant concerns around wildlife and the environmental management of the area, as well as waste management, noise and light pollution. This is not a suitable site. It is on the edge of a town, close to a busy road and will compromise the lives of the many people living nearby.

Niall 2026-10-19 22:37:33

Having reviewed the proposal for the establishment of a Glamping site within the woodland at Holly Hill Wood we wish to register our strong objection to the application on several significant grounds.
Whilst the proposal seeks to promote recreational use of the woodland, we are firmly of the opinion that the development is wholly unsuitable for this location and would have a detrimental impact on the character of the area, local residents, and the woodland environment itself.
Inadequate Access and Highway Concerns
The proposed development appears fundamentally constrained by inadequate access arrangements. Whilst reference is made to access via a gate and track, there is no formal road infrastructure capable of safely accommodating the increased vehicular traffic associated with a commercial glamping operation.
The existing woodland access is unsuitable for regular visitor traffic, service vehicles, waste collection vehicles, emergency services, and maintenance requirements. Increased vehicle movements along narrow local roads and tracks would inevitably create safety concerns and place unnecessary pressure on infrastructure that was never designed for such use.
Furthermore, in the event of an emergency, including fire or medical incidents, it is unclear whether emergency vehicles would be able to gain timely and effective access to all parts of the site.
Harm to Wildlife and the Natural Environment
Holly Hill Wood is a valuable area of mature woodland that supports a range of wildlife and natural habitats. Introducing overnight accommodation and increased human activity into the heart of the woodland poses a significant threat to the ecological value of the site.
The proposal would inevitably result in:
Increased human disturbance within sensitive habitats.
Greater footfall through woodland areas.
Disturbance to nesting birds, mammals, and other protected species.
Potential damage to woodland flora and undergrowth.
Increased risk of fires within a heavily wooded environment.
The woodland currently functions as a relatively undisturbed natural habitat. The introduction of overnight guests, vehicles, lighting, and associated infrastructure is incompatible with the preservation of such an environment.
Waste, Litter and Environmental Management Concerns
The proposal gives rise to considerable concerns regarding waste management. Even with the provision of composting toilets, a commercial glamping operation would generate significant amounts of litter, food waste, packaging, and other refuse.

There appears to be insufficient detail regarding how waste will be managed, stored, and collected within a woodland setting. Experience elsewhere demonstrates that visitor accommodation can lead to littering and fly-tipping, both of which would detract from the woodland environment and potentially attract vermin and other pests.
The long-term impact on the cleanliness and environmental quality of the woodland has not been adequately addressed.
Light Pollution
One of the defining characteristics of Holly Hill Wood is its tranquil and secluded nature. The introduction of overnight accommodation would inevitably result in artificial lighting from:
Guest accommodation.
Pathways and circulation areas.
Vehicle movements.
Security lighting.
External amenity areas.
Light pollution would fundamentally alter the character of the woodland, adversely affecting both local residents and wildlife. Many woodland species rely upon dark environments, and additional lighting may disrupt established behavioural and breeding patterns.
As neighbouring residents we would also experience a loss of the natural dark setting currently enjoyed from our properties.
Noise and Disturbance

The proposal would introduce a level of activity wholly inconsistent with the peaceful nature of the woodland and surrounding residential areas.
Guests arriving and departing, social gatherings, outdoor recreation, vehicle movements, conversations, music, and general activity would generate noise throughout the day and evening. Such disturbance would not only impact neighbouring residents but would also adversely affect wildlife that currently inhabits the woodland.
The suggestion that the site is well screened by trees does not negate the fact that noise travels readily through woodland environments, particularly during quieter evening periods when disturbance is most noticeable.
Risk of Unauthorised Long-Term Occupation
A further significant concern relates to the potential for long-term occupation of glamping structures and the associated risk of unauthorised residential use.
Once accommodation units and supporting facilities are established within a secluded woodland setting, there is an increased risk that the site could be occupied for longer periods than intended, creating enforcement challenges for the local authority. Monitoring and controlling such use within a heavily screened woodland environment may prove difficult.
As neighbouring residents we have legitimate concerns regarding the possibility of the site evolving beyond its stated purpose over time, leading to pressure for further development or permanent occupation.
Lack of Existing Amenities and Unsustainable Location
The suitability of the site for visitor accommodation is further undermined by the lack of established supporting infrastructure. Whilst Banstead Village may be within walking distance for some visitors, the woodland itself contains very limited facilities and relies upon the introduction of artificial infrastructure to function as a commercial tourism destination.
This raises questions regarding the overall sustainability of the proposal and whether a sensitive woodland environment should be adapted for a use that is fundamentally commercial in nature.
Impact on Residential Amenity
As residents whose property directly adjoins the woodland, we are particularly concerned about the cumulative impacts of the proposal. The development would result in increased activity, noise, lighting, vehicle movements, and general disturbance in immediate proximity to existing homes.
Residents purchased properties adjoining a quiet woodland environment. The introduction of a commercial glamping operation would materially alter the established character of the area and diminish the level of peace, privacy, and enjoyment currently experienced by neighbouring occupiers.
Conclusion
For the reasons set out above, we strongly object to the proposed glamping site at Holly Hill Wood. The proposal represents an inappropriate and unsustainable form of development within a sensitive woodland environment and raises substantial concerns regarding access, ecology, waste management, light pollution, noise, residential amenity, and the potential for unauthorised occupation.
We respectfully ask that you give full consideration to these matters and refuse permission for the proposed site.

Joanne 2026-10-19 19:04:16

I would like to raise a strong objection to the creation of a commercial glamping site in Holly Hill Wood, which neighbours my property.
It is completely unsuitable for a venture of this kind and I can only see negative impact for the beautiful woodland and the wildlife it contains. After a summer of wildfires and warnings of increasing risks of this going forward, it immediately puts this area in jeopardy.
Additionally, there is no infrastructure to support such a venture, including appropriate access, other than a footpath, adequate parking, provision for emergency vehicles, and control and removal of waste.
The introduction of people holidaying, however well intentioned they may be, has to impact the wildlife and the peacefulness of the area. There will be increased footfall, noise, light pollution to say the least, all with the impact to adversely affect the natural habitats and behaviour of wildlife.
Along, with wildlife, there is also the effect on the residents of the surrounding area who would have their lives significantly impacted by this commercial development in an area that is treasured and respected by all who live nearby.
The mission to encourage people to get out into nature is an admirable one and there will be many sites that are suitable and should be encouraged but Holly Hill Wood is absolutely not an appropriate setting. Please decline the application.

Tom 2026-10-19 17:01:44

Objection to Application 636 – Immediate Boundary Neighbour

As an immediate boundary neighbour to Holly Hill Wood, I strongly object to this application.

Neither I nor any of the neighbouring households I have spoken to on Holly Lane West were consulted about this proposal.

The site backs directly onto private residential gardens, several of which are open to the woodland with no fence or gate. A commercial campsite here would cause noise, light pollution and a serious loss of privacy and security for the families living along this boundary.

The application lists showers, water and electricity. Installing these is likely to require planning permission, which has not been sought.

Residents of the affected households are coordinating objections and have contacted Reigate & Banstead Borough Council's Planning Enforcement and Environmental Health teams as well as Natural England. I ask the club to explain how this application meets its own criteria for neighbour consultation and to refuse a certificate.

Niall 2026-10-19 08:00:44

?

Adam 2026-10-16 11:56:23

As you tell us planning permission is not required we have forwarded your reply to the council.
Where will vehicle access be ?
Where will the glampers park ?
You say showers will be provided -surely planning is needed to add a shower block ?
In all the woods are for hikers and dog walkers-your proposal will affect that