Leisure park's expansion plans
Jan 13 2010 By The Journal
THE company behind a Northumberland holiday park which is expected to open later this year has revealed plans to develop an additional leisure centre and shops on the site.
Two years ago, planning permission was granted for the development of 20 holiday cabins and 50 static caravan pitches on a former RAF base at Felmoor Park, south of Felton.
The company behind the development – also known as Felmoor Park – has since invested £1.2m in the site which now houses 10 cabins and 20 caravans.
Felmoor Park is run by brothers Ian, Robert and Melvin Thornton, members of the family which formerly operated Morpeth-based construction firm R Thornton & Co.
Their latest venture caused controversy when the plans first came to light in 2008, as local group Thirston Parish Council expressed concerns it would affect the rural character of the area, and create safety problems for traffic getting on and off the A1.
The park is expected to open in April, although developers have faced some weather-related setbacks in recent weeks.
This year the firm plans to submit an additional planning application to build a leisure complex on the site which would be accessible to both holidaymakers and local residents.
Melvin Thornton said: "We are hoping to put forward a planning application for a leisure centre which would include a beauty salon, swimming pool, gym and shops – things for the local community."
Thirston Parish Council declined to comment on the latest phase of the development since a planning application is yet to be put forward.
However, The Journal understands that the key concern among locals about the development is that planning authorities are not considering applications in relation to other tourist developments in the vicinity.
