New leisure development plans could create more than 300 jobs in North East and Yorkshire

A Northumberland planning firm has announced that it could be creating more than 300 jobs across the North East and Yorkshire with its proposals for new leisure developments.

Hedley Planning Services, based in Hexham, has said that the impact of COVID-19 is seeing the ‘rapid’ development of local tourism projects to meet increased demand for UK holidays.

The firm will be providing planning services for more than 10 possible North East and Yorkshire leisure developments.

It is working with holiday and leisure operators to bring forward plans for new lets in Redcar, Cleveland, Hambleton, Beamish and Yorkshire among other locations.

The plans include a new farm experience centre and lodge park in County Durham.

The proposed schemes could generate more than £20m worth of leisure accommodation regionwide, supporting upwards of 300 new jobs in the construction and associated supply chain.

Director Joe Ridgeon commented: “We are seeing a lot of activity as leisure sector operators push forward their plans to tap into the staycation market.

“But it’s the projects that offer a new experience or all-round different holiday experience that will gain the most traction from a planning perspective.

“For example, Woodland Park Farm’s development will see disabled and disadvantaged youngsters have family holidays while enjoying a whole raft of new interactive experiences in a safe and secure environment.

“It’s clear that operators and developers across the leisure sector must have to think and act differently if they are to get their schemes off the ground.

“This requires long term strategic input, planning and vision to maximise success - and firms like ours can help with advice and ideas.

“With our expertise and experience, we’re working hard with developers and planning authorities to ensure that planning applications are both viable and meet regional needs.”