A HOLIDAY park near Padstow could expand by a further 20 lodges if a planning application to Cornwall Council is approved.

Lovat Parks Ltd has applied to the local authority seeking a change of use for a section of land adjacent to its existing premises to the north of Padstow Holiday Village in Padstow from agricultural land to allow the siting of 20 holiday lodges and associated infrastructure such as internal roads, parking and bases.

It would represent the expansion of the holiday village, which the operator says is necessary due to the recent changes in taxation by the government meaning that it has to pay a premium in business rates meaning that it requires the extra income.

The applicant’s planning agent told Cornwall Council: “Planning permission is sought for the use of land for the stationing of 20 holiday static caravans and associated infrastructure (including internal roads, parking and bases) on an agricultural field adjacent to an existing holiday park.

“The proposal will enable the holiday park to expand and provide additional accommodation that more closely meets their customers’ expectations, as well as the significantly increased demand post-Covid, for staying in self-catering holiday accommodation.

“It will also enable the owner to continue to operate and invest in other environmental upgrades and improvements within their wider site. The need for the additional units is driven in part by more challenging business conditions for operating holiday parks, due to changes in the tax regime.

“The development will also be sustainable in terms of providing a well-balanced mix of economic, social and environmental benefits. In particular, the development will provide significant economic benefits in compliance with relevant policies, in terms of providing good quality opportunities for tourism and leisure, boosting the local economy and helping to ensure the long-term sustainability and viability of the existing holiday park.”

The operator also detailed the reason for seeking the expansion, adding: “Taking into account the sustained increased demand for staycation accommodation both national and more locally within the Southwest, it is therefore essential that Padstow Holiday Village is able to offer a higher volume of high-quality holiday accommodation to fulfil this need.

“The 20 additional holiday static caravans subject to this application will also deliver additional investment and growth of the site, thereby allowing it to remain a commercially viable and competitive tourism facility, whilst encouraging visitors to return in the long-term and providing local economic benefits

“Since the approval of the previous application for the ten additional units, there has been a change to the tax regime applying to caravan parks.

“This has resulted in around a 200 per cent increase in business rates payable on the park, which has a substantial impact on the viability of the business. Additional pitches are therefore required to help mitigate this cost and ensure the longevity and financial sustainability of Padstow Holiday Village.”

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The proposals can be viewed on the Cornwall Council planning portal under reference PA26/07367.