Plans for a new £8m holiday park in a North Yorkshire village have divided opinion among local residents.
The owners of the Black Horse Inn in Kirkby Fleetham, near Northallerton, have submitted a planning application to develop land behind the pub.
The scheme would include 24 holiday lodges, the conversion of existing buildings into 11 holiday lets, and a new two-storey building to be used as a reception, shop, spa and accommodation for staff.
An area for motorhome parking will be created, with permission for refurbishment work to the pub also sought.
Two large ponds will be built, while two padel courts are also proposed.
Supporting documents say the holiday park will help to “protect and sustain” the existing hospitality business.
Other benefits include boosting the local economy and providing employment, with an extra 24 full-time jobs due to be generated from the scheme.
The report says the development would “provide good quality services and would add to the quality of life for residents of the local community”.
It adds: “We consider the application provides the right type of tourism and leisure development in the right place and delivers important social, economic
and environmental benefits.
“It can therefore be described as sustainable development which should benefit from the presumption in favour of such development in accordance with the local plan and should be approved without delay.”
But the application has divided opinion in the local area.
North Yorkshire Council has so far received 38 objections.
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 added: “This large commercial development is inappropriate for a location at the centre of the small residential village of Kirkby
Fleetham and is not compatible with any local plan for the area.
“There would be a significant increase in noise and light pollution from the sports activities and activities associated with the holiday lodges.”
Other issues raised by concerned residents include worries over highway safety, the risk of flooding, sewage capacity, and the loss of a wildlife habitat.
But other local residents are backing the scheme, with the council receiving 19 submissions in support of the plans.
One resident said: “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 said: “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.”
The Black Horse is owned by the Fat Badger Group, which owns hotels, pubs and restaurants across York and North Yorkshire.
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