North Yorkshire Council has approved plans for the installation of 22 static caravans at Blue Dolphin Holiday Park in Filey, despite objections regarding the removal of a children’s play area. The proposal, submitted by Haven Leisure, includes the removal of existing play equipment at the site.
One resident who owns a caravan on the park raised concerns, stating that the plan had “not been discussed with anyone and will limit the safe play areas,” while also noting, “The caravan site is big enough.”
Under the approved plan, the new caravan bases will be distributed across the park. Sixteen bases will be located at Hill Top, one west of Hill Top, three south of Spruce Ridge, and two north of Spruce Ridge.
According to YorkMix, bases south of Spruce Ridge will use existing communal parking, whereas the remaining locations will provide two parking spaces and decking for each caravan unit.
Planning officers noted that the proposal does not extend the boundaries of the holiday park and does not constitute a “significant material intensification of use of the site.”
A planning report states that “the units are low-level structures and inoffensive, similar to existing structures in the park,” and that they are “well integrated into their plots and general area” without causing substantial visual impact.
The council’s ecologist recommended a condition requiring a “habitat management and monitoring plan,” ensuring that biodiversity considerations are addressed.
Officers further required that a scheme “for the implementation of the approved biodiversity gain plan must be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority” before development can begin.
The approval was granted with various conditions attached to address planning, environmental, and site management considerations. The decision allows Haven Leisure to proceed with the new caravan installations while maintaining oversight of ecological and site impacts.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector, this case illustrates the planning considerations and local council conditions that can influence expansions at existing holiday parks, particularly when developments intersect with community amenities and environmental safeguards.