Plans for a major expansion of a Northumberland holiday park, previously blocked by councillors, have been approved on appeal. The scheme will increase the capacity of the caravan site at Percy Wood Golf Club and Country Retreat by 180 places and add a new leisure hub.
The proposals were refused by councillors in April after almost 200 objections were received by the council. Local ward member for Swarland, Coun Trevor Thorne, described the plans as "Disneyland". However, the scheme, which had been recommended for approval by council planning officers, has now been accepted following an appeal.
Inspector's Ruling and Local Reaction
Planning inspector Chris Baxter said the site is not highly visible from outside the area and would therefore "not be an overly obtrusive feature in the landscape".
North-East based firm Architects Group described the move as a "big boost for the county-wide tourism economy".
Other Developments by Architects Group
The approval comes alongside other projects secured by the organisation, including two padel courts at Morpeth Golf Club, a specialist veterinary emergency referral hospital in Amble, and new residential developments in Whalton and Thropton.
Tony Harmieson, managing director of the Architects Group, said: "We've designed an attractive range of development schemes that will meet the needs of people who live in Northumberland, and living in the county myself I couldn't be more excited to seeing this all going on around me.
"The residential developments in particular are creating a mix of property types and styles, from barn conversions in gorgeous village settings to new building family homes by the sea."
Specific Project Details
The padel courts will be created on the practice area to the west of Morpeth's club house. It is hoped the veterinary emergency referral hospital in Amble will alleviate pressure on existing veterinary practices and provide additional specialist services and treatment.
In Whalton, planning consent was awarded for two properties to be converted behind the Beresford Arms pub, which will have private rear gardens and retain internal bespoke features of the original stable block holiday lets. A barn in Thropton will be converted into four luxury executive homes.
