Fylde Council has approved plans to expand and reconfigure Hurst Lea Caravan Park near the River Wyre, granting planning permission for changes that will allow the addition of static holiday caravans and associated infrastructure despite objections from the local parish council.
The approval, formally issued on July 10, permits Hanley Caravans Ltd to remodel the existing Hurst Lea Caravan Park on Cartford Lane in Little Eccleston and extend the site onto adjoining land through a change of land use.
The completed development will accommodate 42 static holiday caravans, although planning officers said the proposal represents a net increase of 12 units at Hurst Lea and only five additional units across the combined Hurst Lea and neighboring Meadfoot caravan parks when compared with the sites’ historic capacity.
Little Eccleston with Larbreck Parish Council objected to the proposal, arguing that the village already contains 1,107 residential and holiday caravans across several parks, according to the Lancashire Telegraph. The council also raised concerns that additional visitors would increase traffic and parking pressures on Cartford Lane, place greater demands on local infrastructure, result in the loss of greenfield land, create disruption during construction, and alter the character of the village.
In its submission, the parish council said: “The Parish Council and its residents have no problems with the current number of caravans that are within the village but feel that any increase in number is unnecessary, cause additional hardship to residents, and the only beneficiaries would be the owners of Hanley Caravans.”
Despite those concerns, Lancashire County Council’s highways department concluded that the development would not have a significant impact on highway safety, road capacity, or local amenity, provided planning conditions are met. The authority determined that the existing access from Cartford Lane is suitable and that the proposed increase in caravans would not result in severe traffic impacts.
Planning officers also determined that the project would not cause significant harm to the surrounding landscape. According to the council’s planning report, the site is largely enclosed by existing caravan parks and residential development, reducing its visibility from the wider countryside. Officers concluded that the proposal was acceptable in planning terms and would contribute to tourism and the rural economy.
The application underwent an extended review process because of drainage concerns. The Lead Local Flood Authority initially objected several times, while United Utilities requested additional information regarding surface water management, sewer infrastructure, and the assessment of alternative drainage solutions.
Subsequent testing determined that infiltration drainage was not a viable option for the site. Revised plans were then submitted, incorporating attenuation tanks, pumping infrastructure, and controlled discharge into the existing sewer network. Following the updated proposals, both the Lead Local Flood Authority and United Utilities withdrew their objections.
Natural England also initially expressed concerns about the potential effects of the project on internationally important wildlife sites, including Morecambe Bay and the Wyre Estuary. After reviewing a Habitats Regulations Assessment submitted by the applicant, the agency confirmed that it had no objection to the proposal.
The planning approval includes several conditions intended to manage the site’s long-term operation and environmental impact. These include restrictions preventing the caravans from being used as permanent residences, requirements for biodiversity enhancements, implementation of a 30-year habitat management plan, and measures to protect nearby nature conservation sites.
For owners and operators of holiday parks and caravan parks, the approval highlights the importance of addressing technical and environmental considerations early in the planning process.
The application demonstrates how issues related to drainage, transportation, biodiversity, and protected habitats can influence project timelines and approvals, while also illustrating the role that detailed mitigation measures and agency consultation can play in securing planning permission for expansion projects.
The developer’s planning statement described the proposal as a “modest extension” to an established holiday park that would improve the site’s layout while supporting the rural tourism economy.