Luxury lodge proposal near Kirkby Lonsdale makes case for Covid-safe 'staycation' holidays and improved biodiversity

Plans have been submitted to site seven new holiday lodges on agricultural land between Whittington and Kirkby Lonsdale.
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The site is located around two miles south-west of Kirkby Lonsdale and one mile north of Whittington, in Saddler Nook Lane, immediately to the west of the Grade II Listed Sellet Hall.

It is surrounded by agricultural land and designated as open countryside.

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Plans were initially submitted to site the lodges on the land in 2017, but were withdrawn.

Hosticle Lane, near Whittington.Hosticle Lane, near Whittington.
Hosticle Lane, near Whittington.

A subsequent application was refused by Lancaster City Council in February 2019, based on access and visual intrusion grounds.

But applicant Addison Project PLC has since altered the plans to reposition the site access, which it says achieves required visibility splays and limits hedgerow and tree loss.

The application also states the site is an ideal location and opportunity to provide accommodation for visitors to Kirkby Lonsdale.

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It says: "Kirkby Lonsdale is a tourist attraction in itself, and owing to the natural beauty of the area, many walkers, cyclists, and outdoor recreationists are also attracted to the region to enjoy the countryside.

Close to the site entrance in Saddler Nook Lane.Close to the site entrance in Saddler Nook Lane.
Close to the site entrance in Saddler Nook Lane.

"This would bring significant benefits, not only to the local economy, but also to the local environment through the proposed additional planting and biodiversity enhancement, and to the local communities through the creation of local jobs and expenditure into the local services which will assist in the longevity of those communities and their ability to continue to thrive.

"As a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, ‘staycations’ have become increasingly popular.

"Throughout 2020 there has been a significant increase in the demand for caravan, lodges, camping and glamping pitches, of which the demand is likely to continue to grow for at least the next few years.

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"This type of holiday accommodation provides a socially distanced holiday alternative, with all the necessary facilities provided within the lodge itself, thereby allowing Covid-safe holiday accommodation.

"In addition, there is a demand for self-catering accommodation in this area, particularly since the cottages at Sellet Hall (which were once holiday lets) are now dwellings."