'Good news for Ellesmere': Expansion plans approved for canal-side holiday park

Plans to expand the holiday accommodation site at Blackwater Meadow Marina in Ellesmere have been given the green light by Shropshire Council planning officers.

The owners of the site, on the Llangollen Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal, had originally been given permission for 20 self-contained timber-clad caravans in 2020.

Around three years later, the £3.5m retreat opened to holiday-makers as The Barns at Blackwater Meadow.

In October last year, another application to expand the site by a further 16 timber-clad caravans was submitted.

According to the planning documents, ten of the new units will be smaller than the current caravans which the applicants hope will "allow a diversification in users to the existing site targeting couple and single use stay".

The application states: "The purpose of the proposal is to diversify the current self-contained holiday accommodation to enable couples and smaller groups the ability to stay for short breaks, or longer stays, and enjoy the many attractions and sights in and around the location. 

"The caravans will be used as holiday accommodation only."

The expansion plans received support from Ellesmere residents and business owners, who praised the holiday park for bringing in tourists to the town. 

Gavin Cherrington said: "This is good news for Ellesmere, further growth is what it needs. Bringing more people into the town and supporting local businesses." 

"The initial site has provided valuable support and custom to Ellesmere and the surrounding areas," agreed Alan Bircher. 

"With the addition of more cabins I can only see this as further benefit to the people of Ellesmere, businesses and local people looking for work."

Local business owner Julie Williams wrote: "The existing lodges have boosted the local economy, attracting year-round tourists who contribute to our community by supporting local businesses. 

"The proposed expansion of the site is expected to further increase footfall into town, enhancing the vibrancy of our market town and amplifying the value of the tourism industry in our area."

Now, Shropshire Council planning officers agreed and have given the thumbs up to the plans. 

The decision report states the proposed development was "a logical and proportionate expansion".

It concludes: "The applicant has also satisfactorily demonstrated that the proposal would not have a visually detrimental impact on the area and that there would be wider enhancement in terms of improved landscaping and ecological enhancements. 

"The site would also be served by a safe means of access and would not generate levels of traffic where it would impact upon the wider highway network. 

"Encouraging visitors to the town will also provide some economic benefit to the local area."

The full application is available to view online on Shropshire Council's planning portal using reference number: 24/03946/FUL