Tendring Council has recently greenlighted the redevelopment plans for Highfield Grange Holiday Park in Clacton, marking a significant step towards upgrading its facilities and accommodations. The approved project will see the replacement of 43 touring pitches with 24 static caravans and an extensive revamp of the park’s recreational areas.
Central to the redevelopment is the introduction of a multitude of new amenities aimed at broadening the appeal of Highfield Grange. Plans include the refurbishment of the existing Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), as well as the creation of new adventure and tots play areas, an outdoor laser quest zone, and a safari-themed activities area.
Additional enhancements such as an adventure golf space, a high ropes course, arts and crafts den, bungee trampolines, and a stage with covered seating are also on the agenda, as reported by the Clacton and Frinton Gazette.
The park’s management justifies the overhaul by highlighting the need to meet increasing visitor demand and improve the park’s desirability as a holiday destination. According to the planning statement, the development will not only cater to visitor needs but also benefit the local economy by attracting more tourists (Highfield Grange Planning Statement, 2022).
However, the proposal has not been met without concerns. Residents living in proximity to the park have voiced significant worries that the expanded facilities will result in increased noise levels, particularly from children playing late into the evening.
One local resident expressed distress over the potential for noise to escalate due to larger crowds, stating that the sound of children screaming late at night during summer months could become unbearable.
Addressing these concerns, a detailed noise assessment was conducted which concluded that the expected increase in noise was not substantial enough to warrant halting the project.
The park has also outlined measures to mitigate noise, assuring that new activities will be restricted to the hours between 9 AM and 6 PM, and claiming these activities will be no noisier than those currently offered (Noise Assessment Report, Highfield Grange, 2022).
With the council’s approval, Highfield Grange Holiday Park is set to commence the redevelopment works soon. The decision was influenced by the anticipated economic benefits to the area, including increased employment opportunities during and after construction, and higher potential revenue from tourism.
As the project moves forward, the park management and Tendring Council will continue to monitor the impact of the new developments and remain responsive to community feedback.
This ongoing dialogue will be crucial in ensuring that the park’s transformation benefits all stakeholders—enhancing the guest experience while maintaining harmony within the local community.
The redevelopment of Highfield Grange Holiday Park represents a carefully considered effort to modernize and expand its facilities in response to growing tourist demand.
While it brings promises of enhanced visitor experiences and economic prosperity, it also commits to addressing the concerns of the local residents, aiming for a balance that will foster both community satisfaction and business success.