Plans submitted for caravan park, Teesdale Mercury

A FARMER from Teesdale is planning to expand a proposed retail centre by building a large caravan park.

Paul Barkes farms 320 acres of land at Thorpe Grange, off the A66, near Greta Bridge. He also runs Thorpe Farm shop, cafe and country park.

He recently applied to build craft workshops and a retail centre – and he now proposes to add a luxury touring caravan park to the site.

 

Mr Barkes hopes to capitalise on the increasing tourism industry in Teesdale and make up for falling profits from agriculture.

Mick Robson, from planning consultants Acorus, said: “The fall in agricultural incomes over the past years has resulted in farmers economising and seriously considering other possible sources of non-agricultural income.

“And, with other developments affecting the income of the farming and existing diversified business at Thorpe Grange, Mr Barkes has suffered more than most.”

 

The original farm was mostly grassland. A pig fattening enterprise began in 1982, but was halted by the foot and mouth epidemic in 2001.

A reclamation yard and butchery facility were also opened, but works to create a duel carriageway on the A66 led to “a huge downturn in visitors”.

The reclamation yard operator then left in 2006, with the butcher following the next year.

But in November Mr Barkes announced plans for a million-pound craft retail site at Thorpe Farm.

If given the go-ahead, the scheme, which would create a significant number of jobs, will see the creation workshops, a retail centre and a larger cafe.

It is hoped the project would provide a unique tourist site that will promote local businesses, including arts and crafts companies.

 

Last month, plans for a second tourism development at the site were submitted to Teesdale District Council.

The caravan park would include a lake, about 36 caravans, manager's accommodation and an amenity block.

The caravan park’s reception and amenity buildings would be built from timber and would be as “unobtrusive as possible”. 

Developers also hope to leave wildlife habits undisturbed, as well as carry out landscaping improvements.

In a report, Mr Robson said: “With falling returns from conventional agriculture, there is a need to develop the business to maintain the present standard of living/viability of the business. 

The proposal would also create jobs for residents, he added.

Mr Robson said: “It will provide a much needed-additional tourist 

facility in the Teesdale area to 

increase the economic activity for the benefit of local attractions 

and businesses including the diversified enterprises at Thorpe Grange.”