Lake District: two decisions on Church Stile
The Lake District National Park Authority has granted Church Stile Holiday Park in Nether Wasdale permission to operate year-round. Previously, the park was open from 1 March to 4 January, with a 55-day winter closure. Owners cited increased demand for February half-term and bank holidays. The permission does not allow expansion of the site or an increase in camping pitches.
However, a separate application for year-round use of Church Stile Caravan Park in Nether Wasdale was rejected. Instead, a scaled-down plan was approved: four additional static caravans on a small area and relocation of six previously approved ones. The decision, made on 19 May, includes conditions such as a ban on permanent residence and measures to protect adjacent ancient woodland.
North Yorkshire: Blaithwaite Farm refusal
North Yorkshire Council refused an application to change the use of part of Blaithwaite Farm campsite in Giggleswick for year-round touring caravans and campers. The council deemed it would lead to unacceptable intensification and harm the rural character, and insufficient data on development scale was provided.
Eskdale: new holiday park approved
Dumfries and Galloway Council approved the conversion of the historic 18th-century Irvine House and surrounding land into a holiday park. The 17.7-hectare site on the River Esk will feature 137 lodges, with the building converted into reception, accommodation and leisure areas. The project by Buccleuch Estates is expected to create 37 jobs and bring significant economic benefits.
