Thanet Council is considering a planning application that would expand and modernize the clubhouse at Foxhunter Caravan Park in Monkton, Kent, adding new hospitality, leisure, office, and accommodation facilities as the holiday park continues its redevelopment following a change in ownership.
Foxhunter Caravan Park, which has operated since 1979 and now includes more than 300 static caravans and holiday units, was acquired by Hill Brothers Ltd in 2024. Earlier this year, the park also secured planning permission to add 55 additional caravans, marking another phase in its ongoing development.
The latest application seeks approval to redevelop the existing clubhouse into a larger venue featuring an expanded bar and restaurant with seating for approximately 104 guests, along with a separate Hunters Lounge offering an additional 50 seats.
The proposal also includes a gym, wellness facilities with a sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi, an arcade and entertainment area, a rooftop sunbathing terrace enclosed by glass balustrades, upgraded exterior finishes with timber cladding, new administrative offices, and six self-contained one- and two-bedroom holiday apartments on the building’s upper floor.
Application documents state: “Overall, these enhancements will deliver a modern and high-quality upgrade to the gym/clubhouse building, significantly improving its visual appearance and the experience for users, while remaining appropriate to the established holiday park context.”
According to The Isle of Thanet News, planning documents submitted with the application argue that the investment would strengthen the park’s long-term business prospects while expanding its range of guest amenities.
“The proposal represents a logical and proportionate enhancement of an established holiday park, supporting the continued growth and viability of an existing rural leisure business.
“It delivers clear benefits through the expansion and modernisation of on-site facilities, improving the quality and range of leisure, hospitality and accommodation offer, and supporting the long-term attractiveness and competitiveness of Foxhunter Park as a visitor destination.
“The scheme also provides wider social and economic benefits, including enhanced recreational provision, improved communal facilities and the promotion of active lifestyles. The introduction of upgraded leisure facilities, gym and wellness spaces, alongside improved hospitality provision, represents a meaningful investment in the site and its role within the local tourism economy.
“The proposal will result in some increase in activity on site, with associated considerations including parking demand, potential noise and general intensification of use. However, the scale of development is modest in the context of an established and functioning holiday park, and these impacts are inherently limited.”
The application has drawn objections from Monkton Parish Council and nearby residents, who have raised concerns about parking capacity, increased nighttime activity, noise, privacy, and the proposed rooftop terrace.
In its response, Monkton Parish Council said: “Most caravan/static home/holiday parks are situated away from, or on the edge of residential areas. By contrast, the Foxhunter Caravan Park is situated right in the centre of Monkton, with residential properties to the north, east and west.
“It is the very fact of being located in the heart of the village that the Foxhunter’s activities will inevitably impact on neighbouring properties and indeed the village as a whole. This is the basis of Monkton Parish Council’s objections to this planning application.”
Addressing concerns about increased activity, the parish council added: “noise and activity emanating from the clubhouse directly impacts on the amenities of those living nearby. The plans indicate an enlargement of facilities within the clubhouse, expansion of the bar, night club and restaurant as well as six residential holiday lets. Without doubt, this will result in a significant increase in activity, light and noise levels much of which will be experienced at nighttime.”
The parish council also questioned whether the proposed holiday apartments are compatible with the site’s existing caravan park license and expressed concerns about privacy impacts.
Regarding overlooking, the council stated: “Plans indicate there will be holiday lets and an open balcony at first floor level. This will result in neighbouring properties being directly overlooked and any degree of existing privacy lost altogether.”
Parking remains another point of contention. The parish council said: “Foxhunter parking has been an issue in Monkton in recent years. Residents at the park are currently required by the Foxhunter management to park any commercial vehicles off site. This has resulted in congestion due to road narrowing, blocked visual splays for residents exiting their driveways and parking stress in this area of Monkton Street.
“If, all vehicles parked on site, there would be little to no parking capacity in the area adjacent to the clubhouse for additional clubhouse users. On the other hand, in order to create the parking capacity, commercial vehicles would need to park off site along Monkton Street with all the inherent problems this brings for the wider community.”
The parish council said that, should the proposal receive approval, it would request a planning condition requiring sufficient on-site parking for all vehicles.
In response to those concerns, the applicant said: “The site already benefits from a substantial existing car park serving the clubhouse and associated facilities. In addition, following discussions with the Local Planning Authority, a revised parking layout has been provided which provides a further 29 parking spaces to the east of the proposed development.”
For holiday park operators, the proposal reflects a broader trend of established parks investing in expanded food and beverage offerings, wellness amenities, and diversified accommodations to increase guest spending and extend visitor stays.
However, the application also illustrates the importance of balancing commercial expansion with community engagement, parking management, and consideration of neighboring residential areas. As operators pursue redevelopment projects, addressing local concerns early in the planning process may help reduce objections while supporting long-term investment goals.
Thanet Council will determine the application following its planning review process.