The owners of Overstone Park Resort have appealed a local council’s decision to reject expansion plans that would add 76 new holiday lodges to the Northampton-based destination.
The appeal follows West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) decision in September to deny the application, despite a recommendation from planning officers to approve it.
According to a report by The Northampton Chronicle & Echo, the council’s refusal came after significant public opposition, with nearly 150 objections citing concerns about overdevelopment and fears that the new twin-unit lodges would shift the resort’s character toward that of a caravan park.
Speaking on behalf of Overstone Park Resort, planning agent Ms. Ramirez argued during the initial hearings that the business had faced a decade of decline and required investment to remain viable.
She warned that without approval, the resort could continue deteriorating, potentially leading to closure. She also noted that the applicant had already revised the proposal, reducing the number of lodges from the originally planned 105.
The resort’s plans extend beyond accommodations, with proposed upgrades including a revitalized restaurant, new equipment for the gym and studio, a refurbished swimming pool with a luxury sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi, modernized leisure and golf changing rooms, and a new tennis court.
Additionally, the project was expected to generate 24 full-time jobs.
The final decision now rests with the government’s planning inspectorate, which has the authority to overturn WNC’s ruling.
Both the resort and the council have until mid-March to submit final comments, though a timeline for a verdict has not been confirmed.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality industry, this case highlights the challenges of securing approvals for expansion, particularly when balancing community concerns with the need for investment and modernization.
The situation underscores the importance of engaging with local stakeholders early in the planning process and demonstrating the broader economic and operational benefits of such projects.