Whitchurch beauty spot's hotel plans get go-ahead
It already hosts fishing events, triathlons and even open-air Shakespeare. And now a beauty spot in Shropshire is set to be transformed into a 'honey pot' for tourists after plans for an on-site hotel, spa and holiday lodges were given the go-ahead.
Bosses at Dearnford Lake have been given permission to build a 50-bed hotel overlooking the lake along with a 10 timber lodges, a restaurant, cafe and an extension to the existing retail business.
Rob Bebbington, manager of the lake near Whitchurch, said he was thrilled with the news and hoped it would have a positive impact on the town.
The lake is a popular leisure venue, recently hosting a performance of Twelfth Night and attracting hundreds to a triathlon, as well as being used for fishing events.
Mr Bebbington says a hotel development would enable people to stay longer to enjoy the scenery.
He said: "I think it will be a real boost to the area – we are chuffed to bits. We have tried to go about it the right way from the start and tried to keep everyone on board."
Mr Bebbington said he hoped the scheme would be a 'honey pot' in attracting tourists to the area. And while he is not yet sure how many jobs could be created from the development the manager said he believed it would be a economic boost for Whitchurch.
He said: "It is such a great destination and so we thought why not? We see thousands of vehicles going round the Whitchurch bypass so it is a great stop-off point. We have got two years to activate the plans but we intend to push on as soon as possible."
Shropshire councillor for Whitchurch Gerald Dakin said: "It will most certainly be a positive thing for the town.
"We had a presentation given to the town council and I attended that. I thought it would be an excellent scheme I was very impressed and I think that it is great it is going ahead.
"It will certainly bring a lot of jobs to the town."
