Lake District Estates Co. Ltd. has submitted fresh plans for lodges at Hill of Oaks and Blakeholme Caravan Park near Newby Bridge, following the rejection of an earlier proposal.
Two new planning applications are under consideration by the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA).
One application seeks to install four holiday lodges on 13 existing touring pitches, while the other proposes demolishing a disused wardens’ bungalow and replacing it with two lodges.
According to a report by The Mail, the updated plans are in response to shifting visitor demand and operational challenges at the site.
“The demand for touring pitches has reduced, and demand for lodges has increased,” the applicant stated in the planning documents.
“The change of the touring pitches (some of which were used as boat storage) is simply a response to the change in demand on the site.”
”The levels of tourer bookings are simply not viable for the park, which is also affected by the rising costs of operation, and they need to diversify and generate more income to support the business.”
The initial proposal, submitted in October, sought permission for eight lodges but was declined due to concerns over the impact on trees protected by preservation orders.
The current applications aim to address these issues while adapting to market trends. The applicant emphasized that the park’s future sustainability depends on such diversification efforts.
The plans also include demolishing the wardens’ bungalow, which has been vacant since 2022 and has suffered vandalism. Planning documents describe the structure as being in “poor condition,” with its removal deemed necessary for site improvement.
Both applications are currently being reviewed by the LDNPA.
Hill of Oaks and Blakeholme Caravan Park, located on the banks of Lake Windermere, is part of Lake District Estates’ portfolio, which focuses on providing quality accommodations while preserving the region’s heritage and natural beauty.