A caravan park in Northumberland is set to contribute an extra £1 million annually to the economy after plans were approved for a significant expansion.
Dunham Leisure Limited applied for planning permission to create up to 199 new static caravan pitches and associated infrastructure at the South Meadows Caravan Park near Belford. The existing site has around 300 pitches, of which approximately 100 are for static caravans.
Despite objections from Belford and Middleton Parish Council and The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE), Northumberland County Council approved the plans. The approval comes after 18 months of discussions, adjustments, and collaboration with the council officers, and the local community.
Simon Dunham, director of Dunham Leisure, said: “We are thrilled to have received planning approval for this important development. As a family-run business, South Meadows has always been about more than just providing holidays – it’s about supporting the local community, championing sustainability, and helping Northumberland thrive.
“This expansion will enable us to welcome even more visitors to experience the beauty of our region, while continuing to work with local businesses, create jobs, and uphold our commitment to green credentials. We are immensely grateful to the council, our community, and our partners for their support.”
The approved development is said to represent “a long-term vision for the park”, ensuring sustainable growth over the next seven years. The plans, submitted in July 2023, were refined to reduce the number of pitches from 237 to 199, balancing the scale of the development with environmental and community concerns. Phased implementation will allow landscaping to mature naturally, ensuring the site integrates with its surroundings and contributes to the Northumberland countryside.
A financial contribution of £68,780 will also be made to the Coastal Mitigation Service. The development hopes to offer a sustainable alternative to second home purchases, providing an opportunity for families to own a holiday home at South Meadows.
Nearly £1 million in additional annual visitor spending is forecast, benefiting local businesses, including shops, cafes, restaurants, and tourist attractions in Belford and the wider Northumberland area. The development will create new employment opportunities both directly at South Meadows and indirectly in the local community, supporting tradespeople, service providers, and other local industries. Infrastructure improvements, such as a new controlled pedestrian crossing on South Road and a new bus stop, will further enhance accessibility for visitors and residents.
Since being acquired by Dunham Leisure in 2012, South Meadows Holiday Park has been developed by directors Simon, Andrew, and Catherine Dunham into a holiday destination. The park holds a 5-star rating and is one of only 48 caravan sites in the UK to receive the AA Platinum Award. It is also a two-time winner of the AA North East Caravan and Campsite Award.
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