Campervan parking proposal which attracted strong opposition withdrawn by Northumberland hotel
A hotel’s controversial bid to provide permanent campervan bays in its car park has been withdrawn.
The Lindisfarne Hotel on Holy Island had previously been allowed to have campervans parked on site under a 60-day planning rule.
Hotels International, which operates the Green Lane venue, had lodged a planning application seeking to make it a permanent arrangement.
However, it attracted more than 20 letters of objection from local residents as well as concerns from statutory consultees.
Holy Island Parish Council stated: “The proposal to create a permanent campervan parking facility in such an open spot on the only access route for vehicles and pedestrians, within an historic and beautiful village... will cause significant and irrevocable harm and should be rejected.”
Northumberland Coast National Landscape officer Sarah Winlow stated: “The overnight and longer-term parking of campervans and motorhomes in this location is considered to detract from the character and appearance of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
"Whilst it is recognised that the applicant has permitted development rights in relation to provision of temporary campervan/motorhome and caravan bays for 60 days, turning part of the Lindisfarne Hotel car park into permanent bays is not supported by the National Landscape.”
The council’s ecology and highways departments also said there was insufficient information on the plans.
Island resident Christopher Douglas noted: “Camping is prohibited on Holy Island. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a campervan park would detract from the island and its historic significance.”
Planning documents on the applicant’s behalf stated the temporary siting of campervans was well received and they wanted to provide four bays for self-contained camper vans.
In a letter of support, local resident Ian Black wrote: “Allowing a controlled number of campervans would also help manage tourism more effectively. Rather than visitors parking overnight in unsuitable locations, a small, well-regulated area at the hotel would provide a safe and organised alternative.
"Because the number of campervans would be limited and the site already has suitable facilities, the impact on the local area would be minimal. With appropriate management by the hotel, the arrangement could provide a practical balance between welcoming visitors and protecting the character of Lindisfarne.”
Hotels International, which also operates the Manor House Hotel and the Ship Inn, bought the Lindisfarne Hotel in March 2024.
A spokesperson said: “We have withdrawn our permanent application for campervans, At this time we feel continuing our use of the 60 day rule is the most practical route forward for the time being. We will direct investments towards other projects, like redeveloping the Alnwick Squash club where planning was recently granted.”