PLANS have been submitted to build lodges at a Lake District holiday park in response to a ‘change of demand’.

Lake District Estates Co Ltd has applied to the Lake District National Park Authority to construct eight lodges on Hill Of Oaks And Blakeholme Caravan Park near Newby Bridge.

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

It is 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.

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.”

If the change of use is approved, the holiday park will consist of 242 caravan/lodge pitches, 11 tourers, eight pods, two chalets, and three safari tents.

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

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

This planning application is under consideration.