A NEW bid to create an additional 65 pitches for touring caravans and 39 timber camping ‘pods' at a popular attraction has been submitted to planners.

Proposals to develop land at Ffrith Park on Victoria Road, Prestatyn, have been put to Denbighshire County Council by applicant Noah Robinson of Lakeside Prestatyn Ltd, the operators of Ffrith Park.

A total of 31 pods in a range of sizes will be developed on land to the north of the main car park with a more “exclusive” development of eight family-size pods will be created to the north east of the main complex.

A report, produced by Rachel Whaley for commercial property agency GVA Grimley Limited, states that the aim of the proposal is to increase the “attractiveness” of the whole of the siteformer Ffrith – formerly known as Ffrith Festival Gardens – as a visitor destination by introducing a broader range of holiday accommodation on to the site.

Ffrith Park is classed as a visitor attraction and there is a touring caravan park that has been operating on the site since April 2016.

The report says: “There are no changes to the appearance of the existing surface of the site.

“Touring caravans are fairly utilitarian in appearance, as much of the development elsewhere on the site associated with the leisure and tourism use.

“As tourers, the caravans will not remain on site permanently and the site will not always be at full capacity.

“The proposed timber camping pods are smaller than touring caravans and subtle in appearance so will not be unduly prominent within the site.”

It is hoped that the camping pods will act as a cheaper alternative for couples and families.

The ‘pods’ will have their own toilet facilities and will be located close by to parking spaces, making them more suitable for those with mobility issues or with young children.

In June 2010, planning permission was granted to the site enabling land to be used for 56 touring caravans and 13 motorhomes.

These plans were developed and have been at the touring park since April 2016.

One resident, living on South Avenue, Prestatyn, commented: “There are enough caravan parks already, this plot of land is public land and should remain so.

“It should be back to its former glory when families on holiday had a fun day out, playing on the beach and then rides on the lake on a paddle boat and a fun fair, go-karts then eating in the cafes and going into the arcades.”

A planning statement, by GVA, added: “This form of accommodation (camping pods) is ideally suited for people wanting short, informal breaks without the hassle of outdoor camping.

“They will broaden the range of accommodation that is on offer, providing something alternative, informal and affordable which should encourage more overnight visitors and thereby strengthening the local economy.