PLANS for a major refurbishment of a caravan park near Carlisle have been given the go-ahead.

Last week Carlisle City Council granted permission for Dalston Hall Holiday Park to create an "upmarket tourism product".

The applicant is listed as Paul Holder.

According to the design and access statement the proposal includes: "The upgrading of facilities within the existing holiday park for 44 static holiday caravans in lieu of 71 existing units, 51 touring caravans and 20 tents, this results in a significant reduction in number by approximately 40 per cent."

It also states: "The proposed holiday static caravan layout is of a very low density with the units located informally with additional belts of new landscaping and planting in native species of trees and shrubs.

"The essence of the new scheme is to develop an exclusive 5 star holiday accommodation facility.

"The proposals are in line with an up market tourism product and are exactly in line with central Government policies, tourist Board policies and policies contained within the local development plans.

"The quality of the facility proposed would significantly help raise the standards of holiday accommodation on offer in the region."

According to another background document, by agents, Lambe Planning and Design Ltd: "The inability of Dalston Hall Holiday Park to provide an alternative type of holiday accommodation for these existing customers is damaging the holiday product and having a detrimental impact on employment, the local economy and other attractions and facilities as these holiday makers are unable to holiday in these autumn,winter months.

"Caravans of this nature provide an all year round comfortable facility which cannot be provided by touring caravans and Tents, this proposal will assist in preventing the in-continuity of season employment which is specifically supported by Government Policies and Guidance.

"The proposed replacement units would be in muted environmental colours in a landscaped low density layout."

For information go online to: publicaccess.carlisle.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do

Application number: 20/0567