PLANS for a multi-million pound holiday village in Hampshire would threaten an area of ancient woodland, say protesters.

Developer Forest Holidays has submitted new plans to Winchester City Council to build 98 log cabins, a cafe and shop in Black Wood, a site of importance for nature conservation, near Micheldever A previous scheme for 130 cabins was refused by planning officers last year.

Dormice, polecats, badgers and skylarks are among the protected species living in the 250-hectare wood. About half the site is ancient woodland. This means it has been continually wooded since at least 1600.

There are also red kite, green woodpeckers and tawny owls as well as rare white hellebore orchids, native bluebells, purple emperor and grizzled skipper butterflies.

Forest Holidays says the holiday village will boost tourism, create jobs and improve public access so more people can enjoy Black Wood and all its flora and fauna. It estimates the scheme would inject about £3.4m per year into the local economy.

The scheme includes woodland walks, cycle hire and a forest ranger education programme.

But villagers living nearby say it will destroy the peace of the wood and create traffic problems.

The plans include 174 car parking spaces and a new entrance off Larkwhistle Farm Road plus a bus shuttle service to Micheldever railway station.

The Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading conservation charity is among objectors. It said ancient woodland sites are “irreplaceable” and “home to more species of conservation status than any other habitat.”

The trust said noise and light pollution from the increased number of visitors and cabins would have a negative impact on wildlife.

Other objectors include Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Steventon Parish Council while supporters include Hampshire County Council’s tourism department.

Forest Holidays is a joint venture between the Forestry Commission and the Camping and Caravanning Club.