Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what public consultation takes place with local communities on the siting by the Forestry Commission of new Forest Holiday chalet developments.

There is extensive public engagement on all such proposals. The Forestry Commission works with Forest Holidays to identify potential sites and assess the impacts and benefits, and then the company will engage in a variety of ways with neighbours, local communities and interested parties. Information and updates continue to be made available as and when a project progresses toward a planning application. Formal consultation takes place as part of the planning process.

Forest Holidays and the Forestry Commission have a successful track record of obtaining and delivering recreational developments that soon become an important part of the local community and its economy once they are operational. The sites are not closed to the public for general access and enhanced facilities for access provide positive outcomes without significant environmental impact.