Derbyshire County Council’s flood risk specialists and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust have both raised formal objections to plans for a large indoor water park and resort close to Whitwell, amid concerns the proposals could increase flood risk to nearby communities and to a separate housing scheme already planned for the area.
Consultees call for more hydraulic analysis
The application under consideration by Bolsover District Council from Great Lakes UK Ltd and Waystone Ltd would place a proposed Great Wolf Resorts development on approximately 19.3 hectares of agricultural land between Barlborough, Clowne and Whitwell. The scheme, as described in planning documents, could include a seven-storey, 512-room hotel, an indoor water park, an adventure park, conference facilities, restaurants and staff accommodation together with access and parking.
Derbyshire’s Flood Risk Management Team says it cannot provide an informed consultation response until the applicant submits further details demonstrating how the site’s proposed outfall ditch connects to the wider local network of watercourses. Officers also highlight a potential interaction with the nearby Clowne Garden Village housing proposal, for around 1,800 homes, which the developer has indicated would discharge to the same watercourse.
"We are recommending an objection on the proposed development as it is not possible to provide an informed comment until such a time that the applicant has submitted further information to show that the proposed outfall ditch is connected to a wider network of watercourses."
Environmental body raises downstream concerns
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has also objected, warning of hydrological impacts on the downstream Bondhay dyke tributary, part of the Ryton catchment. The trust says the tributary already contributes to significant flooding to properties and businesses in the area and the proposed development could exacerbate those issues unless the scheme can demonstrate robust mitigation.
- Site size: 19.3 hectares of agricultural land
- Hotel proposal: up to 512 rooms across seven storeys
- Associated developments: water park, adventure park, conference facilities, staff accommodation
What consultees want
Both statutory consultees are seeking further technical evidence. The county council specifically requests a full hydraulic analysis covering all watercourses within the development boundary with an assessment of flood risk to existing and proposed properties before and after development. The county team has signalled that, without that information, it will continue to recommend objection.
The proposal has already attracted local attention: community groups and campaigners have staged objections at district council offices, reflecting wider concerns about traffic, landscape impact and the cumulative effects of major developments on drainage and flood risk in the Ryton catchment.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Great Lakes UK Ltd / Waystone Ltd |
| Location | Land near Worksop Road, Whitwell Common (between Barlborough, Clowne and Whitwell) |
| Proposed land use | Indoor water park & resort, hotel, conference and leisure facilities |
Bolsover District Council must now consider the representations from consultees before deciding whether to grant planning permission. If applicants provide the requested hydraulic modelling and mitigation proposals, consultees may revisit their positions; if not, the objections could carry significant weight in the planning balance.
Local residents and businesses concerned about flood risk or other impacts can submit comments to Bolsover District Council as part of the ongoing planning consultation.
