Residents in the village of Holme, near Hunstanton, have raised objections to a renewed planning application seeking to extend the operating season of the White Horse Caravan Site from eight months to 11 months of the year.
The proposal, submitted by McDonnell Caravans, follows an earlier attempt that was withdrawn earlier this year after a planning officer indicated it would likely be refused due to environmental concerns.
The current application is under review by West Norfolk Council, with a decision expected later this year. If approved, the extended season would allow the site to operate through most of the year, leaving only a one-month closure period.
Local opposition has focused on concerns about traffic, safety, and the potential impact on the character of the village, particularly during the winter months. Residents have cited the limitations of local infrastructure, including narrow rural lanes and reduced visibility in certain areas, as potential risks associated with increased year-round usage.
One person living near the site stated on the council’s planning portal: “The access roads to the site are narrow rural lanes with limited passing places and poor visibility in sections. Increased traffic throughout the winter months, when road conditions are often worse, will significantly increase the risk of accidents.”
Another resident commented: “Holme is a very tranquil village, and this is why my husband and I chose to move here. Recently, it has become much busier, and I fear that the 11-month extension for the caravan park will ruin the peacefulness. I have begun to feel unsafe walking through the village nowadays due to extra parking and people driving too fast.”
According to the Eastern Daily Press, concerns have also been raised about the potential for the extended season to blur the distinction between holiday accommodation and permanent residency.
A neighbor noted: “I feel strongly that the extension of the holiday season to the caravan park to 11 months, in essence, makes the caravans a full-time residency option with occupiers having only to vacate for one month per year for a ‘ holiday’. The equivalent number of new homes would have been highly unlikely to have been granted for this site.”
The application comes amid broader housing dynamics in Holme, where more than half of the village’s 280 properties are used as second homes or short-term holiday lets.
One resident questioned the need for additional tourism capacity, stating: “This proposal suggests that we need extra holidaymakers. We already have many holiday homes and short-term rentals in the village. This significantly dilutes the resident community, which is what has happened in many coastal hot spots.”
In response, McDonnell Caravans, which is owned by the Holkham Estate, has argued that extending the season would align the site with similar coastal businesses and respond to growing off-season demand.
The company estimates that visitor spending in the local area could increase from £443,904 to £541,824 annually if the extension is approved. It also positioned the proposal as a way to support local employment and improve the long-term viability of the business.
Environmental considerations have also been part of the planning process. Earlier concerns about potential impacts on over-wintering bird species, including pink-footed geese, led to the withdrawal of the previous application.
However, an updated ecological assessment submitted with the new proposal concludes that extending the operating season would not affect nearby designated conservation sites.
Separately, residents had raised concerns about site refurbishment works, including ground clearance and installation of concrete pads, potentially affecting habitats for natterjack toads. West Norfolk Council reviewed the matter and determined that the works fell within permitted development rights under the site’s existing license.
As part of the redevelopment, the number of caravans on the site is set to decrease from 64 to 37. The revised mix will include a combination of owner-occupied units and caravans available for short-term rental through online platforms.
Planning documents describe the site as focused on low-density tourism, catering to visitors interested in walking, cycling, birdwatching, and heritage activities.
For operators and investors in the outdoor hospitality sector, the case highlights ongoing tensions between extending shoulder and off-season demand and maintaining community acceptance, particularly in locations with constrained infrastructure and high levels of second-home ownership.
It also underscores the importance of environmental assessments and clear occupancy controls in securing planning approvals for extended operating periods.