Plans submitted for extension of Northumberland caravan park which could provide £1.6m boost to economy
Plans have been lodged for the extension of a Northumberland caravan park.
A planning application is seeking permission for 64 static caravans at Coquet View Leisure Park in Warkworth.
The proposed site, currently an agricultural field, previously had planning permission for 124 caravans but it was never developed.
The reduced number of caravans in the new proposal reflects new planning and more sensitive environmental requirements.
"The proposal seeks consent for the siting of 64 additional holiday static caravans as an extension to Coquet View Leisure Park,” states a report on behalf of applicant Tom Hill.
"The caravans are laid out maximise the land available around an internal E-shaped access road, with the units grouped together at the lower part of the site. This approach has been deliberately chosen to minimise visual impact, particularly given the site’s location within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”
The revised application also stresses the importance of tourism to the Northumberland economy.
In 2024, Northumberland welcomed nearly 10.5 million visitors, generating a total economic impact of £1.443 billion and supporting nearly 12,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
Drawing on the findings of a UK Caravan & Camping Alliance report, visitors staying in touring-style accommodation spend on average £101 per day, comprising £42 on-site and £59 off-site, with average high-season occupancy reaching 68%.
"Applying these figures to 64 additional static caravans provides a clear indication of likely annual economic generation,” states the applicant’s report. “If 64 units operate year-round at an average 68% occupancy, this equates to approximately 15,885 occupied unit-nights per year.
"At an average total spend of £101 per occupied night, the development would generate in the region of £1.6 million in direct visitor expenditure annually. Of this, approximately £937,000 would be spent off-site within the surrounding local economy.”
It continues: “The on-site expenditure will directly support employment, wages, maintenance, site management and ongoing operational investment within the park.
"Crucially, the off-site expenditure within the surrounding area will support pubs, restaurants, shops, visitor attractions, fuel stations and other local enterprises.
"The proposal continues to represent a logical and sustainable extension to an established tourism enterprise rather than a new standalone development in open countryside.”