Great Birchwood Holiday Park in Warton has submitted a planning application to expand its operations with 52 additional static caravans, marking a significant step in its redevelopment under new ownership.
The proposal, currently under review by Fylde Borough Council, includes a change of land use to accommodate the new units and seeks retrospective approval for the demolition of a former stable building.
According to the application, the new caravan pitches would be located around an existing lake, an area that was previously home to stables used during the park’s former “Wild West” theme.
However, the applicant has confirmed that the new ownership will not be continuing this theme, according to a report by The Gazette.
The expansion would include a mix of caravan sizes, with eight twin lodges positioned at the lake’s edge, 14 larger single units set in a row behind them, and an additional 30 single units located further south of the lake.
Each of the twin lodges will feature two double rooms, an en-suite master bedroom, and a walk-in wardrobe, while the smaller units will include a master bedroom, a twin room, and a bathroom.
Great Birchwood Holiday Park has undergone significant changes over the years. Originally an RAF military camp in the 1940s, the site transitioned into a caravan and camping park, later incorporating entertainment facilities and an equestrian center.
The park closed temporarily in 2016, but after being acquired by new owners in 2023, it fully reopened in January 2024.
It currently operates under a site license permitting 46 static caravans, 49 touring caravans, and one residential plot.
The planning statement acknowledges that the park is currently operating at a reduced capacity compared to previous years.
“Compared to its heyday, the camping, holiday lodges and facilities in operation on site are at a significantly reduced scale from when it was last operating at full capacity decades ago, although many permanent structures, roads, and associated hard surfaces remain,” the application states.
It also notes that the expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance the park’s offerings.
“The applicant has grand plans for the continuing development of the site to add to their existing portfolio of successful holiday park sites across the North West, and this application is the start of the new journey for Great Birchwood Leisure Village.”
For outdoor hospitality operators, this expansion highlights the continued demand for high-quality holiday accommodations, particularly in well-situated locations with existing infrastructure.
Business owners considering similar growth strategies may take note of the planning process, land-use considerations, and potential for redevelopment within historical sites.
With the rise in staycations and domestic travel, investing in modernizing older parks could offer long-term business opportunities.
Public consultation on the application began on February 12 and will remain open until March 13.