Holiday village operator Center Parcs has announced this morning (9 December) that it is to apply for planning permission for a fifth UK site – in Bedfordshire.

The company has entered an agreement with the Bedford Estate to lease a site at Warren Wood, near Woburn.

Center Parcs – which currently operates holiday villages at Eleveden Forest in Suffolk, Longleat Forest in Wiltshire, Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire and Oasis Whinfell Forest in Cumbria – identified the 365-acre Warren Wood as the most suitable site for its expansion following a study of more than 40 forest locations.

The development, expected to cost in the region of £160m, will feature similar features to the existing Center Parcs sites, including accommodation, indoor and outdoor leisure activities, a sub-tropical swimming complex, Aqua Sana spa and a variety of restaurants.

It is expected to take three to four years to reach completion.

"We are delighted to have identified a possible fifth site in such an excellent location, which marks a major step forward in our growth strategy,” said Center Parcs’ CEO, Martin Dalby.

“While there is a long and detailed planning process ahead of us, Center Parcs is acknowledged as the industry leader in setting standards in environmental management in the leisure industry. The proposal we will be submitting will protect and enhance the local environment, significantly boost employment and bring major benefits to the local economy."