Mid Beds District Council planning officials have rejected an application by Center Parcs to build its fifth holiday village at Warren Wood, near Woburn, in Bedfordshire.

Councillors decided to adhere to the planning officers’ recommendation that the 700-chalet Center Parcs holiday village, with hotel, other buildings and a car park for 1,400 vehicles would be inappropriate in the South Bedfordshire Green Belt.

The development control committee concluded that the circumstances and considerations put forward by Center Parcs would not outweigh the harm to and the visual impact on the surrounding Green Belt.

Martin Dalby, Center Parc CEO, said: “We are obviously very disappointed with tonight’s decision, particularly as the councillors were split 50/50 and the chair voted again and against us.

“We will now have to consider our options. However we want to thank the numerous supporters and well-wishers who want Center Parcs to come to Mid Bedfordshire.”

The council had previously received 1,029 signatures and 172 letters objecting to the scheme in comparison with only eight letters in support.

The £160m development has been the subject of consultations for more than a year. Details: www.midbeds.gov.uk