Ventura Lodges Ltd has submitted plans to convert the Proteus Camp, on Blyth Road, into holiday homes and other facilities including a bar and fitness suite.

A second application for change of land use and the demolition of the existing buildings has also been made.

Both applications are being considered by Newark & Sherwood District Council planning officers – but have been backed by town councillors.

The town council's planning committee chairman Coun Ben Wells says the proposed development will have a significant impact on the area.
"In principle I think it is a really sound idea which will bring a lot of benefits to Ollerton," he told Chad.

"The site has been left dead since the Army stopped using it and the new buildings will be attractive to people who live in local and neighbouring towns.

"It will benefit tourism and trade and will mean that a lot of people come into the area and spend money."

The 21-hectare site was used by the Ministry of Defence as an Army training camp until October 2004 when it became surplus to requirements.

The site had accommodated up to 1,000 personnel at its peak along with tanks, mechanised vehicles and a small arms firing range.

From the early 1940s it was used by the British and American armed forces and a significant number of barrack buildings, vehicle stores and other structures remain on the site – though it has now reverted back to the control of the Thoresby Estate.

Coun Wells' comments were backed by fellow town council planning committee member Coun Carole Turner.

"Our town has worked very hard to succeed since the closure of the pits and as long as the design is appropriate and is not an eyesore on the surroundings it will be a positive thing," she said.

And Coun Turner says that if the development is given the green light it may also encourage Newark & Sherwood District Council to improve transport routes.

She added: "Some residents may have concerns that traffic will increase because of the holiday homes, but hopefully this will put pressure on the county council to release funding to improve Ollerton roundabout and ease congestion."

The lodges will be used for holidays and are not for permanent residential occupation, with occupiers buying a lodge and paying an annual ground fee to Ventura.

Three different lodge designs have been submitted by Ventura with the largest being 19.5m long, 6m wide and 3.5m high.