by Laura Diaz
Carlisle City Council’s development control committee authorised Dalston Hall Holiday Park to replace its golf course with an expanded caravan section
Dalston Hall Holiday Park will embrace the growing trend in caravanning by expanding upon its site, it was announced Friday.
As reported by News & Star, the committee delivered the decision, granting the park permission to commence planning on the measure. The park’s plan includes the installation of 16 new static caravans for tourists to use during its season ranging from 1 March to 31 January.
Councillor Trevor Allison, representing Dalston, claimed the golf course became a target for possible replacement after losing considerable members in recent years. Oppositely, the park’s caravan business has experienced substantial growth, which, as the councillor argued, supports the need for a larger caravan area. His intention is for the caravan innovation to boost business both in Dalston and in Carlisle.
Opposition for the measure was not widespread, as the city council received only two letters of dissent and 12 supporting the plan. Dalston Hall Hotel was the main force behind the opposition, mainly due to concerns about the caravans being visible from the hotel which could “detract from the setting” of the building.
Kate Bellwood, the caravan park’s agent, claimed the hotel’s concerns in regards to the view were “not a planning matter.” In support of the statement, councillor Allison visited the hotel’s owners stating, “Planning is about economic development and making balanced decisions.”
The caravan park’s expansion plans do seem to include balanced decisions. For instance, the landscaping portion of the plans includes measures to positively impact the view from the hotel. These consist of planting new trees throughout the expanded caravan area to achieve a more visually alluring effect.
Another representative of Dalston, councillor Bryan Craig, contended, “This is quite beneficial in keeping Dalston a viable village.”
The expansion could indeed prove extremely beneficial to Dalston Hall Holiday Park, given that it already boasts shower facilities, a laundry room, licensed bar and evening meals.
