New Santa's Grotto at Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest gets the go ahead

The application is for a replacement “Santa’s Grotto” building to replace the existing one, the construction of a new retail store and woodland rangers’ hut and new access and egress paths, to allow for seasonal illuminations and animation experiences throughout the Christmas period.

The application site, at the holiday park near Rufford, currently comprises the existing Santa’s grotto, two lodge buildings and a tent located just outside the village square in the centre of the park to the east of the lake and surrounded by broadleaved trees.

The planning application has now been given the go-ahead by Newark & Sherwood Council.

A Center Parcs spokesman said: “We’re excited to be enhancing our Winter Wonderland offering and bringing a new Santa’s Woodland Workshop to guests visiting Sherwood Forest.”

A design and access statement, accompanying the planning application. said: “The replacement Santa’s Grotto and the Christmas-themed displays will be a seasonal experience creating ‘Santa’ Meeting Rooms and photo dispense for Center Parcs holiday guests.

“Five Santa rooms are proposed, accessed through a meet-and-greet area, waiting area with seasonal animation display and illuminations and a controlled lobby to maintain the magic.

“There will also be an integral Santa’s gift or present store, staff room with wheelchair accessible w/c, dressing area and photo collection point.

“The Rangers’ Hut will be a seasonal store to operate alongside the proposed Santa’s Grotto. This will retail Christmas-themed gifts, toys, and decorations. The rest of the year, the hut will be a learning-based woodland craft room, with mini beast experiences, displays and informative talks.

“A retail and activity space will be constructed with a store and two wheelchair accessible w/c’s with baby changing facilities.

“The existing Santa’s Winter Wonderland will be demolished to allow for this proposal.

“The total holiday village site comprises an area over 400 acres, with 30 acres of lakes, streams and ponds that have been created as well as a mosaic of woodland clearings for heathland and grassland regeneration.

“The overall scheme will enhance rather than harm the existing amenities on site and will result in thermally efficient buildings replacing poor quality structures in need of major overhaul and refurbishment.”