Fury over plans to build 'wellness retreat' in countryside for London millennials
- 5 months ago
Plans to build a wellness retreat for millennials from London have been met with anger from neighbours, who fear the loss of green space, trees and peace.
Four luxury holiday cabins, a community building, and car park are proposed for the new retreat, all with different themes.
No WIFI or TVs are planned for the site, and visitors - a high percentage of whom are expected to be couples or millennials or Gen Z from London- will be encouraged to arrive by train.
Millennials are defined as those born between 1981 and 1996, while Gen Z encompasses those born between 1997 and 2012.
The community building will accommodate weekly events such as yoga, talks or craft making and will be a hireable space for local residents too.
Developer and landowner Escape Holiday Ventures says the retreat would allow guests to “escape the stresses of modern life” and would have “wellness in nature at its heart”.
Four cabins are proposed in total, each of which will include a living area, kitchen, and bedroom.
All will be linked by a boardwalk through the woodland which the developers say will allow “human life and nature to live and thrive cohesively”.
Each will have a different theme, including the Lookout, which will have an open terrace offering views over the valley, or the Woodsman’s Cabin which will take forward the concept of a relatively ramshackle outbuilding.
Planning documents state: “Being in the wood and next to the river provides the perfect backdrop for all the senses, allowing guests to slow down and appreciate the environment surrounding them.
“The cabins are designed to encourage guests to enjoy mindful moments watching the natural world around them, even when the weather is not so enjoyable, baths are placed strategically near windows encouraging guests to relax and take in the moment while hibernating in their hideaway.”
The land in question, close to residential streets in Hythe, has been unmanaged for years, according to the developers, and has suffered from fly-tipping and littering.
But those living nearby say they are deeply concerned over the proposals.
They feel the decision to build on the patch of woodland makes no sense and are asking why people would want to go on holiday to a housing estate.
Emma Sharp, who has lived in the area for 22 years, decided to buy her home because of the nearby countryside and does not want to see it replaced by this development.
She said: “It’s going to have a huge effect on so many people.
“It’s a really well-used part of the community and is used by dog walkers, cyclists, school children – everyone.
“I wanted to live in Hythe because of the beauty of the surroundings. Right by my house we have these beautiful woods and can hear the birds, the lake and a lot of nature. It’s just so peaceful and calm.
“The mental health aspect of it is fantastic. If we’ve had a bad day, we all know the benefit of fresh air and going for a walk.”
Four luxury holiday cabins, a community building, and car park are proposed for the new retreat, all with different themes.
No WIFI or TVs are planned for the site, and visitors - a high percentage of whom are expected to be couples or millennials or Gen Z from London- will be encouraged to arrive by train.
Millennials are defined as those born between 1981 and 1996, while Gen Z encompasses those born between 1997 and 2012.
The community building will accommodate weekly events such as yoga, talks or craft making and will be a hireable space for local residents too.
Developer and landowner Escape Holiday Ventures says the retreat would allow guests to “escape the stresses of modern life” and would have “wellness in nature at its heart”.
Four cabins are proposed in total, each of which will include a living area, kitchen, and bedroom.
All will be linked by a boardwalk through the woodland which the developers say will allow “human life and nature to live and thrive cohesively”.
Each will have a different theme, including the Lookout, which will have an open terrace offering views over the valley, or the Woodsman’s Cabin which will take forward the concept of a relatively ramshackle outbuilding.
Planning documents state: “Being in the wood and next to the river provides the perfect backdrop for all the senses, allowing guests to slow down and appreciate the environment surrounding them.
“The cabins are designed to encourage guests to enjoy mindful moments watching the natural world around them, even when the weather is not so enjoyable, baths are placed strategically near windows encouraging guests to relax and take in the moment while hibernating in their hideaway.”
The land in question, close to residential streets in Hythe, has been unmanaged for years, according to the developers, and has suffered from fly-tipping and littering.
But those living nearby say they are deeply concerned over the proposals.
They feel the decision to build on the patch of woodland makes no sense and are asking why people would want to go on holiday to a housing estate.
Emma Sharp, who has lived in the area for 22 years, decided to buy her home because of the nearby countryside and does not want to see it replaced by this development.
She said: “It’s going to have a huge effect on so many people.
“It’s a really well-used part of the community and is used by dog walkers, cyclists, school children – everyone.
“I wanted to live in Hythe because of the beauty of the surroundings. Right by my house we have these beautiful woods and can hear the birds, the lake and a lot of nature. It’s just so peaceful and calm.
“The mental health aspect of it is fantastic. If we’ve had a bad day, we all know the benefit of fresh air and going for a walk.”