A project to turn a rural woodland into a holiday park has been recommended for approval despite facing huge opposition from wildlife groups and villagers.

Developer Forestscape hopes to create the attraction in 25 acres of woodland at Pentney - a village between King's Lynn and Swaffham.

The firm hopes to create 36 holiday lodges, a reception area, a car park, a health centre and a wild swimming facility.

An artist's impression of what the lodges could look likeAn artist's impression of what the lodges could look like (Image: Forestscape)

However, Forestscape's ambitions have caused significant concern, with one villager calling it an "ecological disaster" waiting to happen.

Two parish councils and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust have been critical of the plans, and WNC has received 91 letters of objection.

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Pentney Woods is known to be a haven for wildlife and there are fears that the development will destroy the important habitat home to birds, otters, bats, reptiles, water voles and deer.

Where the lodges could be built in Pentney WoodsWhere the lodges could be built in Pentney Woods (Image: Google)

East Winch and Bilney Parish Council also worry it could turn into a permanent residential site and that there will be "unchecked growth”.

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These worries follow the growth of Pentney Lakes, a big complex of holiday homes to the south.

"Without serious enforceable occupancy restrictions, the likelihood of it becoming another permanent residential site, such as Pentney Lakes, is high," a spokesman said.

The proposed layout of the lodges at Pentney WoodsThe proposed layout of the lodges at Pentney Woods (Image: Forestscape)

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Other people have complained it will mean the community will lose the woodland as a place to visit and that it could affect drainage and water quality.

One villager said: "This wood is truly beautiful and has many species of mature trees and fauna, it is magnificent and we do not want to lose it."

Despite the huge backlash, West Norfolk Council officers have given the green light for the project to go ahead, with the final decision to be made by councillors at a meeting on November 4.