Former Nightclub Owner Wins Approval for 70 Holiday Lodges in Wiltshire.

A major new tourism development has been approved near Ashton Keynes after a planning inspector granted permission for 70 holiday lodges and a nature park on farmland within the wider Cotswold Water Park area.

The development, proposed by Manorwood Leisure Developments, will be built on approximately 23 hectares of land south of Spine Road East in the Clayhill area near Ashton Keynes. The project is being led by Biagio Vitale, known locally for previously owning nightlife venues including The Rock in Cirencester and Studio nightclub in Swindon’s Old Town.

Approval was granted following an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate after Wiltshire Council did not reach a formal decision on the planning application, which had been under consideration since 2022. The approved plans include the creation of holiday lodges alongside a nature-focused park designed to complement existing leisure attractions already operating in the area, including paintball activities, a forest school and a falconry centre.

The proposal generated significant debate locally, with concerns raised over the environmental impact on nearby protected habitats and wildlife. Particular attention was given to the internationally recognised North Meadow conservation area, known for its rare Snake’s-head Fritillary flowers, as well as nearby waterbird habitats. Environmental concerns also focused on the possible impact on great crested newts, a protected species often central to planning decisions involving rural developments.

However, during the appeal process, evidence was presented showing plans for new ecological buffer zones and habitat improvements aimed at reducing environmental risks. The inspector heard that several existing ponds on the site were currently unsuitable for amphibians due to predatory fish populations, while the proposed creation of 10 new ponds would improve biodiversity and wildlife habitats across the development.

Historic considerations were also part of the planning discussions due to the site’s proximity to Halls Close, also known as Ashton Keynes Castle, a historic 12th-century fortification. While concerns were raised about the potential impact on the historic landscape, the planning inspector concluded that any harm would be limited.

To address concerns around housing use, conditions have been attached to the permission restricting occupation of the holiday lodges to a maximum of six weeks at a time. This is intended to ensure the site remains a tourism and holiday destination rather than becoming permanent residential accommodation.

The decision marks a significant development for tourism in the wider Cotswold Water Park area, which continues to grow as a destination for nature-based holidays, outdoor recreation and eco-tourism across Wiltshire and the South West.