Northam Farm Camping and Caravan Park, located off South Road in Brean between Weston-super-Mare and Highbridge, has submitted proposals for a significant expansion. The site owner, David Scott, is seeking permission to add up to 60 new holiday lodge pitches on the southern edge of the campsite.
The proposed development reflects a renewed application following the withdrawal of a similar plan for 60 new lodges in December 2022. This time, the expansion targets the southernmost part of the site, adjacent to Breans Sands Holiday Park and Brean Country Club. Enhancements include extending the existing access road in the northwest corner and creating a new pond along the northern boundary to improve drainage.
Mr. Scott highlighted that the expansion aims to meet local demand for holiday accommodation created by the closure of the nearby Pontins Brean Sands Holiday Park, which formerly provided around 5,000 visitor bed spaces weekly. The Pontins site now serves as housing for Hinkley Point C workers, leading to a noticeable decrease in tourism footfall and spending that has impacted local businesses.
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A spokesperson from ARA Architecture, representing Mr. Scott, described the proposal as a logical and contained extension of an existing tourism facility. They emphasized that tourism is vital to the local economy and the new lodges would provide a sustainable, proportionate solution to the accommodation shortage.
The site lies within Flood Zone 3, indicating a high risk of regular flooding according to Environment Agency classifications. However, the applicant argues the development is suitable due to the lodges’ temporary and removable design, ensuring no additional flood risk is posed to the surrounding area.
Somerset Council is expected to reach a decision on the application by late summer. It remains unclear whether the approval process will involve a public hearing before the planning committee north or be handled via delegated authority by planning officers.