Plans have been approved for 38 holiday lodges in a north Cumbrian village.
Carlisle City Council’s development panel unanimously approved a proposal to extend Dalston Hall Caravan Park, in Dalston, with an extra 38 holiday lodges.
Plans were approved despite concerns raised by owners of a nearby historic building that it could affect its views.
Sam Greig spoke at the meeting on behalf of the owners of Dalston Hall Hotel.
He said: “The owners don’t object to the principle of extending the caravan park and there have been previous applications that they haven’t objected to.”
However, the owners of the Grade II listed building were concerned about the impact the development would have on the character of the asset and its surroundings.
Mr Greig said: “The towers are accessible, under supervision to guests staying in the hotel and it’s part of the experience they can enjoy. It’s the view from these towers that we’re primarily concerned about. Anything that erodes the view, erodes the setting of the listed building.”
He called Dalston Hall an “irreplaceable historic asset that should be protected for generations.”
However Paul Holder, a member of the family that owns Dalston Hall Caravan Park, pointed out that no objections have been received from the statutory bodies consulted. That included the parish council, Environment Agency and Historic England.
In response to concerns about the impact on views from Dalston Hall Hotel, Mr Holder said: “The existing boundary screening and landscaping as members saw on their site visit, convincingly eliminates any views of the neighbouring listed building.
“All of the boundary screening is under our ownership and managed by ourselves.”
Mr Holder said that the new hospitality experience would benefit the economy, “helping to support local shops and businesses as well as social and recreational activities.”
Councillor John Collier proposed that the application is approved with a comment: “I was particularly impressed with the state of the caravan site, the site was absolutely spotless and well maintained and I feel sure this new application will be subject to the same high standards.”
Councillors voted unanimously to approve the proposals.
