Weymouth holiday park launches application for year-round use

More than 40 people have objected to the application which will be heard at an area planning committee meeting on Thursday, May 5.

Officers are recommending accepting the proposal saying that there is not likely to be any ‘significant harm’ to the area because of the extra weeks.

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Those objecting cite increased traffic problems, the site becoming full-time residential by default, turning the area into “a low grade housing estate” and year-round disturbance.

Some objectors claims the 46 weeks currently allowed for most of the site ought to be enough for financial stability and are worried about the increased impact on the heritage coast: “It is not sustainable tourism and runs counter to environmental objectives,” said one.

Other worries raised were the impact on the area’s traditional hotel and B7Bs, the increased burning of fossil fuels for heating and lighting and the claim that nature needs a rest for at least part of the year.

Some sections of the site are subject to historic conditions which limit their use while a few areas can already open throughout the year.

The site adjoins the Dorset Area of Outstanding Beauty and the Heritage Coast.

Over the years many of the caravans on the site have been replaced by timber lodges which the operators say makes them more suitable for year-round use, coupled with the demand for ‘staycation’ holidays throughout the year. Other sites in the area already have year-round use.

Wessex Water say they do not object but say any changes to increase pipe sizes, or flow rates, would have to be agreed in advance and say they would have to prioritise the need to maintain all existing domestic services first.

The council’s own growth and economic regeneration team say the general improvement in accommodation standards, the temporary reduced opportunities to go abroad and more flexible working patters which makes weekends away easier have all helped increase the demand for what was previously considered the closed season for holidays.

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It adds that the increases use could bring other benefits to the local economy: “From a tourism and economic development perspective, increasing demand for shoulder and out of season tourism has long been a strategic aim, as it increases tourism revenue, encourages the substitution of seasonal jobs with year-round jobs, and doesn’t put the strain on infrastructure and congestion that peak season demand can bring. The increased demand could justify improved year-round bus services on local routes, improving sustainable transport for residents and workers, too.”

The site owners and supporters of the year-round use say the extension will create jobs and will bring a financial benefit to the area.

A planning case officer’s report concludes: “The extension of the holiday occupation period from 10 months to the full 12 months of the year would allow greater flexibility and/or opportunity for taking holidays out of the main season. It would also mean the whole of the site would have the same level of occupancy allowed throughout. This is a sustainable development as it is already existing in this location. From an economic viewpoint it could result in economic benefits to local facilities in the otherwise quieter winter months. In environmental terms the units are already located on the site all year round.”