Lakes masterplan for holiday hotspot
LEISURE Lakes is set to be transformed under plans to build an 18-hole golf course, scores of holiday homes – and floating lodges.
Owners have submitted a masterplan outlining their vision to make the 300-acre site in Mere Brow, near Tarleton, one of the premier holiday destinations in the North West.
Current activities, such as motocross and jet-skis, would cease in favour of gentler pastimes such as golf, fishing and woodland walks.
Bosses say that the business is unlikely to survive unless drastic changes are made.
They have now submitted plans for their vision to West Lancs Council, with whom they have been working over the past three years.
Plans for the golf course have been approved, with owner Leisure Lakes Ltd keen to start building work, and to gain permission to develop the rest of the site. New features would include: 33 floating holiday homes on the fringes of the east lake.
107 woodland and lakeside holiday homes set around the east and west lakes. 225 static caravan pitches. Relocated golf driving range. Relocated golf clubhouse, shop and administration facilities for golf activities.
Creation of 59 acres of woodland, with other extensive planting and environmental works, placing ecology at the heart of the site’s transformation.
A smart new entrance on The Gravel.
The existing Jollies Barn play centre would remain on site.
The application says: “Formulation of the masterplan for Leisure Lakes has been a lengthy and engaging process, spanning more than three years.
“The design process has involved early consultation with the council’s planning officers and immediate neighbours. Further consultation is planned with the wider local community in Mere Brow.
“The masterplan takes the existing Leisure Lakes site and seeks to breathe new life into it, creating a contemporary holiday resort with a mix of accommodation in woodland, lakeside and floating lodges, together with opportunities for static caravans.
“The masterplan takes on board existing planning approvals for the development of 49 holiday lodges and an 18-hole golf course, integrating those elements with site-wide proposals for additional holiday accommodation, extensive woodland and landscape planting, together with opportunities for quiet enjoyment of the countryside and lakes.
“A high-quality tourism and leisure facility will emerge, complemented by extensive facilities for golf, equestrian activities, woodland walks and cycle trails. The scheme shows its capacity to accommodate a contemporary leisure development that will benefit the profile and economy of the borough.”