Councillors To Decide On Controversial Bewl Water Holiday Lets Plan

(c) Roberto La Rosa

Controversial plans to create holiday apartments at Bewl Water are set to be decided by councillors later this month.

Applicant Bewl Events and Waterparks Ltd wants permission to convert the Boat House Bistro and a nearby fishing facility into 11 holiday lets at the reservoir, near Wadhurst.

The proposal has sparked significant opposition, with Wealden District Council receiving around 150 objection letters.

Concerns raised include potential light pollution and the impact on wildlife, particularly roosting gulls. Sussex Wildlife Trust is among those to object.

The applicant says the development would allow more visitors to stay overnight and experience the reservoir, which it describes as an important leisure and recreation destination.

Plans also include retaining part of the bistro as a café, shop and meeting space, along with new changing and shower facilities.

Developers say features such as smart glass and controlled low-level lighting would minimise light spill and protect the surrounding environment.

Planning officers at Wealden District Council say proposed conditions would help reduce environmental harm, adding that strict controls on lighting would prevent floodlights and limit ecological impact.

Councillors are due to make a decision on the application at a planning meeting on 26 February.