Fears as Sex Education beauty spot put up for sale

People living near a popular beauty spot made famous by Netflix's Sex Education have spoken of their fears its "magic" could be lost after much of it was put up for sale.

A wedding venue, pub, holiday accommodation and multiple car parks at Symonds Yat East, Herefordshire, have gone on the market for £6.75m.

The "once-in-a-generation opportunity" is a stones throw away from the distinctive red chalet used as the home of Jean and Otis Milburn, played by Gillian Anderson and Asa Butterfield.

The BBC has approached the current owner via estate agent Christie & Co.

The sale includes the Royal Lodge Hotel, Wye Rapids House, the Weir House and the Saracens Head Inn, as well as two pay-and-display car parks and a section of riverbank.

Together, the businesses and properties cover 6.74 acres (2.73 hectares) along the River Wye, which the current owners have had for 35 years.

Village resident John Davies said the sale had come as a "very great surprise".

"It's like if you said to people in London that Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column was up for sale," he said.

"It would be a great pity if in the development the magic was lost," he added.

"But if the magic can be enhanced and if the whole experience can be enriched then that would be fabulous. But change is not easy when it's as lovely as this."

Estate agents have highlighted potential for further development at the site, including creating a riverside spa hotel, eco lodges, glamping pods and camping, as well as opening up an old railway tunnel for walkers and cyclists.

But some people living nearby said they were concerned about what greater development could mean for the area.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "I think it's good value for money but it's what they're going to do with it.

"If they do something with it I hope they don't develop it a bit too much."

They also raised concerns the proposals could bring significantly more people to the area.

"I think it would ruin it. It would totally ruin it. It's a big canoeing centre, a water sports centre, and the area behind is used by scouts and everyone else," he said. "Even the Olympic teams use it from time to time.

"By having all the extra spas it will create too many people down here. At the moment parking is limited and that's a good idea.

"If you open it up to too many cars it'll just ruin it, like it ruins most beauty spots."

Others said they hoped a new owner would preserve what attracts people to Symonds Yat.

One visitor said: "I think it's good if they're going to keep it as it is but if they're going to change it then that'll be a shame to destroy all this beauty."

Another, who visits the area regularly, said: "We always come up here once a year, twice a year, and it's nice to see it [...] it's the scenic views, the peacefulness - it's just awesome."

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