A NORTH York Moors campsite has unveiled an expansion plan just weeks after being named the best in the North-East.

The owners of Cote Ghyll Holiday Park, at Osmotherley, near Northallerton, have applied to change the use of land to the north of the site from a grazing field to a holiday venue, build 18 static caravan pitches and relocate its waste water treatment plant, following “a recent increase in demand”.

The move by Helen and Jon Hill, who have run the site for 15 years, follows the couple winning the AA accolade for the region due to their continuous drive to improve the site, which has included the introduction of underfloor heating in the shower block and developing the children’s play area.

AA inspectors described the site, which features 70 camping and touring pitches and 18 static caravans with the Cod Beck running through it, as “the perfect base for active people”, with well-appointed facilities.

They wrote: “Mature trees, shrubs and an abundance of seasonal floral displays create a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, and the whole park is immaculately maintained.”

In a planning application to the North York Moors National Park Authority, agents said the expansion would make the business more economically sustainable.

The application states: “Whilst the site has no history of flooding, caution has been given to not siting any development within the Environment Agency designated flood zone. This is considered to be a modest and appropriate expansion of the site, given the substantial increase in demand and scale of the existing caravan park.

“The applicants are dedicated to increasing the privacy and character, and as cuh planted a new tree belt on the southern boundary of the application site, which is now of a semi-mature nature.

“The proposed development ovcrall is of a discrete nature and will not be visually intrusive. The character of the surrounding landscape will not be harmed as a result of this proposal.”

While Osmotherley Area Parish Council has backed the application, it is understood the plan will be welcomed by many as the tourism trade is key to the local economy.