Plans have been lodged to create a new 100-caravan holiday park near Penruddock.
Michael Paul Consultancy Ltd has submitted a planning application to Westmorland and Furness Council to change the of a 10-hectare site to the east of Whitbarrow Farm in Berrier, west of Penrith, from agricultural, to allow the siting of 100 timber clad caravans for year-round holiday use.
A statement, submitted with the application, says: “The purpose of the proposal is to provide self-contained holiday accommodation to enable families to stay for short week-based breaks and enjoy the many attractions and sights in and around the local area.”
The caravans themselves are described as being compliant with the maximum size to be legally allowed to be classed as a caravan — 20 metres in length, 6.8 metres wide, and four metres high.
Each caravan would have a decked area, two parking spaces, a waste storage area designed for seven days of use, and be accessed by a service road.
The report adds: “The design approach of the caravans has been carefully considered to create an attractive development within the rural environment and ensures high quality accommodation that will meet the expectation of visitors.
“Some of the proposed units will have a wooden exterior effect.”
It is estimated that at least 10 staff would be needed across the site and that each caravan would generate an estimated £22,534 being spent each year in the local area.
Cycle hire provision is also proposed, with the proximity of the C2C route assisting sustainable transport in the area for visitors.
“The site is a perfect location for visitors and tourists to take short, localised breaks and enjoy the surrounding countryside.
“The diversification of the site will provide a higher level of accommodation than the nearby Whitbarrow and Beckses sites, whilst not being in direct competition with the more traditional Whitbarrow Hotel site,” it adds.
