A NEW 60-lodge holiday park could be built on a hotel estate near Whitby if planning permission is given.

The Classic Lodges hotel group has submitted an application to build a holiday park on its estate at Grinkle Park, following two years of extensive planning and consultation with the relevant authorities.

The development would see the restoration of the hotel’s Grade II listed stable block, the re-introduction of a derelict caravan site, and the formation of two new lakes to complement the existing water feature.

Once fully operational, the lodge park would create 25 jobs.

Richard Grime, managing director of Classic Lodges, said: “Everyone we have shown the site and plans to has had uttered one word – ‘wow’.”

The lodges would be created in an environmentally considerate way and are aimed at the ‘staycation’ market of families who prefer to holiday in England than abroad.

The lodges would boast high-end features - with some having inbuilt hot tubs - and it is expected that the development will cost more than £5 million to build.

Mike Hodgson, chair of Loftus Town Council, said that the council welcomes opportunities for the development of tourism and facilities for visitors, and equally importantly for the sustainable employment of local people.

Mr Hodgson said: “We look forward to formally reviewing and commenting on this proposal.”

Grinkle Park is a four-star country house hotel employing up to 75 local people across the estate.

It is situated in the North York Moors to the west of Runswick Bay and Mr Grime hopes the new development will offer visitors an exclusive experience whilst also boosting the local economy.

He said: “It is also one of the county’s pre-eminent wedding venues with fabulous gardens, so the development would enhance and extend what is already a premium offering.”