The Lake District National Park Authority has granted planning permission for Lake District Estates Co Ltd to demolish an existing toilet block, build a new bin store and replace touring caravan plots with four holiday lodges at Hill of Oaks and Blakeholme Caravan Park near Newby Bridge. Permission was granted with conditions on October 12, despite the entire site being within Haws Wood, classified as Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland and protected by a Tree Preservation Order, and a bat survey identifying a roost affected by the proposals, requiring a licence from Natural England. The applicant cited reduced demand for touring pitches and increased demand for lodges; the lodges must be used only for short-term holiday accommodation and cannot become anyone's sole or main residence, and development must begin within three years.
