Work to expand South Meadows Caravan Park in Belford, Northumberland, is moving forward following the formal approval of planning permission.
Dunham Leisure, the operator behind the park, has now signed a Section 106 agreement with Northumberland County Council, marking a key milestone in the project’s progress.
The expansion plan, which received approval earlier in 2024 from the council’s strategic planning committee, includes up to 199 new static caravan pitches along with supporting infrastructure.
According to statements made during the planning meeting, the development is expected to bolster the park’s potential as a year-round tourism destination and generate an additional £1 million annually for the local economy.
This would be in addition to the current estimated economic contribution of £1.5 million.
Under the terms of the Section 106 agreement, Dunham Leisure has committed to a financial contribution of £68,780 to the Coastal Mitigation Service. This funding supports efforts to protect the region’s sensitive coastal habitats from the impacts of increased visitor numbers.
Planning officers had recommended approval, stating in their report:
“The principle of new tourism development is acceptable in this case. The site is located adjacent an existing holiday park, on the edge of the settlement of Belford. The proposals also seek to enhance and support an existing business in economic terms.”
The report further noted, “The development by virtue of its location, design, and layout is considered acceptable in terms of impact on landscape character.”
Before construction can begin, the council must approve several pre-commencement conditions, including a landscape and ecological management plan and a construction surface water management plan.
While the project has received some community support, with 12 comments submitted in favor citing anticipated economic benefits, opposition has also been voiced, according to a report by Northumberland Gazette.
Belford and Middleton Parish Council described the development as “gross over-development” and raised concerns about its effect on the “visual amenity” of Belford’s southern area, including the Grade I listed Belford Hall.
For outdoor hospitality operators, the expansion highlights a growing trend in holiday park development geared toward year-round operation and economic sustainability.
For business owners in the caravan and glamping sectors, it underscores the importance of aligning long-term infrastructure investment with local authority planning frameworks and environmental responsibilities.
Understanding how Section 106 contributions and ecological planning requirements factor into approvals may prove useful for operators considering similar expansions or new developments.