Alice Holt Forest Centre

Working with the Forestry Commission Iain worked closely within the visitor team to create a vision and explore the options for the site.

The visitor facilities at Alice Holt Forest were first installed in the 1970s.  By 2000 they were tired and inadequate.  Iain worked closely within the visitor team to create a vision and explore the options for the site.  He then applied for planning permission for a number of temporary measures as a stop gap, while a detailed plan was created and designs for a new café, toilets, community room, public space and cycling centre were drawn up.  Iain lead on the planning application co-ordinating the specialist reports and writing many of the reports and studies himself.

The planning application was the first significant application made in the South Downs National Park.  The level of detail provided ensured that it was approved under delegated authority.  Iain then worked with the local team to obtain funding and with Turner & Townsend to ensure that the first phase was built to budget, time and quality, opening within 18 months of the permission being granted.

Iain’s expertise has also been an integral part of the development of the visitor facilities at Bedgebury Pinetum near Tunbridge Wells and the Wendover Woods Forest Centre.