PLANS to build lodges at a Lake District holiday park have been turned down due to concerns the proposed development would lead to the ‘deterioration of an irreplaceable habitat’.

The Lake District National Park Authority has refused proposals from Lake District Estates Co Ltd to construct eight lodges on Hill of Oaks and Blakeholme Caravan Park near Newby Bridge.

A decision notice issued by national park planners says the proposed development would result in the loss of several trees protected by tree preservation orders.

It adds: “The proposed development would therefore remove woodland features which contribute to the biodiversity potential of the woodland habitat and intensify the nature of the use of the site, creating greater pressure for the pruning or felling of trees.”

Planning documents submitted by the applicant says the planning application is a response to the ‘change in demand’ on the site.

Planning documents state: “The demand for touring pitches has reduced and demand for lodges has increased. The change of the touring pitches (some of which were used as boat storage) is simply a response to the change in demand on the site.

“The levels of tourer bookings are simply not viable for the park, which is also affected by the rising costs of operation, and they need to diversify and generate more income to support the business.”

Plans were also lodged to demolish the disused wardens bungalow on the site which has been subjected to ‘vandalism’.

It was proposed that five of the lodges will be built on the site of 13 touring pitches with the other three built on the site of the bungalow.

According to planning documents the wardens lodge has been unoccupied since 2022 and is currently in ‘poor condition’.

Plans added the proposed three lodges on the site will help bring income to support the ‘additional operational costs’ of the site.

This planning application was refused by the LDNPA on October 24.