AN application to expand a holiday lodge site by building 10 new camping pods and a clubhouse has prompted objections from local residents.

Park House Lodges in Catton wants to expand its business by adding to the existing three holiday cabins on land at Park House.

The proposal comes after full planning permission for five lodges was granted in 2012, three of which have already been built.

However, the latest proposal has been met with numerous objections from locals, with one resident suggesting the development would be like ‘having a mini Center Parcs attached to a very small rural village’.

Applicant Helen Hilton, manager of Parkhouse Lodges, said the clubhouse would provide an onsite facility for the lodges and would cater for occupants of the proposed camping pods and Park House Lodges as well as the general public.

The building would include a restaurant, bar and spa and leisure facilities and it is hoped would provide a local community facility to replace the recently closed Crown Inn pub in the village.

The proposal stated the development had been designed to reduce any impact on the wider landscape.

However, residents feared the development, which includes a single-storey 400sqm building, would spoil the nature of the surrounding area.

Allendale Parish Council also objected to the proposal on the basis that it was not in keeping with the Allendale development plan.

Residents said the development would lead to an increase in traffic and noise, and make the sale of the Crown Inn pub even more difficult.

The proposed development is expected to create a minimum of 10 jobs, with the applicant also keen to use local produce and services for the business.

Access to the proposed camping pods would be through the entrance to the existing three lodges with 28 extra car parking spaces created.

Park House Lodges was contacted for comment.