Concerns have been raised about the redevelopment of the former Eype Beach Holiday Park in West Dorset, where 13 luxury lodges are being constructed.
More than 1,000 people have signed a petition calling for a public consultation into what campaigners describe as a “high-density holiday village” close to the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site.
The project, named Thorncombe Heights, is being carried out by West Dorset Leisure Holidays, which says the work is proceeding under existing planning rights. The company purchased the site with permissions already in place.
Dorset Council confirmed that in 2022 it issued certificates of lawfulness allowing for 35 permanently sited static caravans and 36 camping and motorhome pitches for holiday use, without restrictions on layout or year-round operation.
Opposition has been led by a local group called Eype Environment Protection, which argues that the new development is out of keeping with the area.
A spokesperson said:
“A high-density holiday village is set to replace the low-impact seasonal campsite that existed on the same site for many years. Unlike the campsite, the lodges are permanent dwellings, requiring highly visible infrastructure, threatening irrevocable damage to the landscape and undermining the beauty and integrity of this fragile coastline.”
Campaigners have also raised concerns about cliff erosion and the impact on the dark skies above Eype.
“We challenge the outdated planning legislation and licences that allow developments like these to go ahead and demand a public consultation,” the spokesperson told The Bridport & LymeRegis News.
Martin Cox, managing director of West Dorset Leisure Holidays, said the project is being mischaracterized.
“The description of the issue is misleading and is not accurate. The planning history was in place before we purchased the park,” he said.
“As a local family, we are pleased to be able to undertake a high-quality development of caravan lodges which are aesthetically pleasing when compared to the permitted alternatives, which I am sure would not have suited the village.”
Cox noted the company’s ongoing work to support the Jurassic Coast, including raising £110,000 for local projects over the past 11 years. “In my view, the lodges at Eype will not have a negative impact and we look forward to welcoming existing and future visitors,” he said.
A Dorset Council spokesperson confirmed that compliance with site licensing requirements will be monitored.
“If the site owner considers the site is in accordance with certificates of lawfulness issued in 2022, they are not required to supply details to us, the planning authority. However, if we receive reports that the site is not in accordance with those certificates, we will investigate through our planning enforcement process.”
For outdoor hospitality operators, the case illustrates the challenges of balancing development potential with community and environmental concerns.
While permitted development rights may create opportunities to invest without full planning applications, projects near protected landscapes are likely to face heightened scrutiny from both residents and advocacy groups.
Operators considering similar investments may benefit from early engagement with local stakeholders to reduce opposition and align projects with community expectations.