Lakes floating lodges plan to get go-ahead
PLANS to build floating holiday homes and improve golf facilities at a site near Southport are set to be approved by West Lancashire Borough Council.
The proposals are expected to secure the future of the Leisure Lakes attraction in Mere Brow, which would otherwise “most likely fail” without subsidy from the owners’ other businesses.
Proposals were submitted last year to build the 300 acre development on land at Leisure Lakes and will go before West Lancashire Borough Council’s planning committee next week.
The site already features a nine-hole golf course but an ambitious scheme would expand the land around the course to create the already approved 18-hole course, build a new clubhouse, and relocate the driving range.
If the plans are approved, 140 lodges will be built around the site, through a mixture of woodland structures and floating homes off the Tarleton Bypass.
Space will also be allocated for a further 225 caravan pitches on the site of the existing touring area and driving range.
Although the plans will involve Green Belt land being used for the new clubhouse, it is considered that this is an essential part of the golfing business plan and that the overall development is necessary to secure the future viability of the site.
Activities such as jetskis and motocross bikes, which have prompted frequent complaints from neighbours, will no longer be provided if the major development goes ahead.
Jollies Barn, the on-site play centre, will not be affected by the plans.
Documents which will go before the council’s planning committee recommend approving the proposal and reveal the expected impact on tourism and job creation as a result.
The officer’s report also makes clear the necessity of the development for safeguarding the attraction’s future.
It stated: “The applicant has provided evidence of the current status of the Leisure Lakes business that demonstrates that without subsidy from the owners other business enterprises the viability of the business would most likely fail and would not be capable of drawing sufficient levels of investment to secure a long term future.
“The proposals are aimed at achieving a programme of development for the long established tourism and recreation facility that will provide an economic critical mass with secure such viability and investment.”