Plans have been submitted to North Yorkshire Council for an £8 million holiday park development in the village of Kirkby Fleetham, located in North Yorkshire, England.
The proposal has been brought forward by the owners of the Black Horse Inn, a pub and hospitality business in the village operated by the Fat Badger Group, which runs hotels, pubs, and restaurants across York and North Yorkshire.
The application outlines a mixed-use holiday accommodation scheme on land behind the pub. It includes plans for 24 holiday lodges, a retail shop, a spa facility, and designated motorhome parking areas.
In addition, the proposal features two large ponds and two padel courts, reflecting a broader trend in the UK outdoor hospitality sector toward incorporating sports and leisure amenities alongside accommodation offerings.
According to documents submitted in support of the application, the development is intended to help “protect and sustain” the existing hospitality business, while also contributing to the local economy and creating 24 full-time jobs. The supporting materials also state that the project would “provide good-quality services and would add to the quality of life for residents of the local community”.
The planning application has generated a mixed response. So far, North Yorkshire Council has received 39 objections and 20 representations in support of the proposal. The Local Democracy Reporting Service noted that the plans have divided opinion within the village.
Among those opposing the scheme, concerns have been raised about its scale and impact on the village environment.
One objector said: “The proposed large-scale development, located at the centre of the village, is entirely out of character with the existing scale and nature of the area. It would dominate and overwhelm the village setting.” Another stated: “There would be a significant increase in noise and light pollution from the sports activities and activities associated with the holiday lodges.”
Other objections reference potential traffic and highway safety issues, the risk of flooding, pressure on sewage infrastructure, and the possible loss of local wildlife habitat.
Supporters of the development have emphasized potential economic and community benefits. One resident told the BBC: “I support this application. I believe it will add very useful facilities to the village and support the Black Horse in difficult financial times.”
Another added: “I strongly support the proposed plans and hope the application is granted. As a resident of the village, I believe we are lucky to have a local business willing to invest such a large amount into the local area.”
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality and caravan park sectors, the proposal reflects several ongoing industry dynamics, including the increasing integration of wellness facilities such as spas, diversification into sports offerings like padel courts, and the use of holiday accommodation expansion as a strategy to stabilize year-round revenue for traditional pub and hospitality operators.
However, it also underscores the continuing importance of navigating local planning constraints, particularly in rural settings where development scale and landscape impact remain central points of scrutiny.
The decision now rests with North Yorkshire Council following the ongoing consultation process.