A FRESH application to expand a residential children’s activity centre in an area of outstanding natural beauty at Hindhead, has been opposed by residents.

The UK’s largest education provider, PGL Travel, owns the 40-acre woodland site at Marchants Hill.

The centre can currently accommodate more than 400 children but hopes to double its capacity. Two earlier applications submitted last year and in March this year were both deemed invalid, and PGL has now submitted a third, which is expected to be determined by Waverley on Wednesday, August 17.

The plan is to demolish the existing single-storey accommodation buildings and outbuildings and erect four two-storey buildings and single-storey classrooms, together with alterations and extensions to the existing activity lake and access improvements at the junction of Cricket Close with Tilford Road.

PGL representatives met with objectors on Monday last week, who had complained about the lack of public consultation about its expansion plans.

Residents raised concerns about tree felling, noise pollution and road safety and were told the issues raised would be taken on board.

Objecting to the plan, one resident wrote: “I am concerned over the urbanisation and overdevelopment that will occur within the heart of a small rural village in an area of outstanding natural beauty and the green belt.

“The proposed alteration of the junction at Cricket Close and Tilford Road does not seem to improve safety for the increase in traffic the expansion will generate.

“Also the alteration may result in tree felling and the urbanisation of the junction.

“Double yellow lines will result in reduced parking to local residents who use the playing field, the scout hut and the football and cricket clubs that all currently use Cricket Close.”

PGL’s supporting design and access statement lodged with Waverley planners stated: “The proposed development is appropriate in scale when considered in conjunction with the surrounding activity centre of which it forms and will result in an enhanced tourist facility.

“While the location is served by public transport PGL will implement their own sustainable transport measures by ensuring that the vast majority of users will arrive by coach.

“The implications for the surrounding road network, internal road arrangements and car parking have all been considered and endorsed by the transport assessment.

“The proposals provide a significant investment in to the borough by providing up to 88 new jobs most of which will be recruited locally.”