The Southland Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite on the Isle of Wight is seeking approval to upgrade 12 of its grass pitches to all-weather surfaces, a move aimed at enhancing site usability and responding to guest preferences.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club has submitted a planning application to the Isle of Wight Council, emphasizing the benefits of the proposed improvement for the site’s long-term appeal.
According to a report by OnTheWight, the new all-weather pitches would be constructed using locally sourced permeable stone, designed to control runoff while maintaining the natural permeability of the site.
A representative from the organization stated, “The proposal involves a change in the type of pitches being offered, with the need for this having arisen from member feedback and the club’s desire to provide a continued high-quality offering.”
As part of the planning process, the club submitted a Biodiversity Net Gain assessment, which acknowledges that the upgrade would result in the loss of approximately 0.106 hectares of modified grassland.
To mitigate this impact, the proposal includes enhancements to 0.02 hectares of grassland and the planting of 13 native trees.
The application underscores the club’s commitment to sustainability while balancing the need for modernized facilities that cater to evolving visitor expectations.
For outdoor hospitality operators, this development highlights the growing demand for all-weather pitches as an operational advantage.
Unlike traditional grass pitches, all-weather surfaces provide better year-round usability, potentially extending the booking season and reducing maintenance costs associated with weather-related wear and tear.
The use of permeable materials also aligns with best practices in stormwater management, a factor that more campsites may consider as environmental regulations continue to evolve.
The application is open for public consultation until March 14. A final decision is expected by April 3.
If approved, the upgrade could serve as a case study for other sites looking to enhance infrastructure while addressing environmental considerations.