Developer unveils plans to breathe new life into derelict camp site

Proposals to breathe new life into a derelict Fylde camp site with the construction of 62 much needed family homes have been submitted to Fylde Council.

The submission follows a public consultation conducted by specialist property developers Bellair which found that almost 70% of respondents supported redevelopment of Great Birchwood Country Park.

The camp site was once the largest Country & Western themed holiday destination in Europe, playing host to big-name musical acts such as Dr Hook.

With the decline in demand for domestic holidays the site fell out of favour and ultimately closed in 2016.

A small number of residents still live at Great Birchwood, but the communal facilities and roads have fallen into severe disrepair, leading to it becoming an ugly feature of the otherwise beautiful Lancashire countryside.

As well as there being public support for redevelopment, Bellair’s plans have attracted the support of Warton & Westby councillor, Bobby Rigby.

He said: “Great Birchwood Country Park was a real asset to Fylde in its heyday, bringing visitors from far and wide for their holidays. Though, with changing holiday habits the park has gone the way of many other camping and caravan sites of its type.

“Since closing in 2016, the site has fallen into disrepair and become a real blight on this beautiful part of Fylde. As a local councillor I’ve been seeking a way to secure its redevelopment. I want the very best for the residents I represent, and I believe that the proposals from Bellair for a low density development of family homes here will bring this site back in to use sustainably and make Great Birchwood an asset to our community once again.”

He added: “I am particularly pleased with the improvements to green infrastructure that are proposed as part of the development and the financial contribution that will be made towards the provision of affordable homes. The derelict buildings and ugly concrete hard standing currently on the site are of no benefit to local people and wildlife.”

Derelict building on the site

Bellair’s proposals are seeking to provide no more than 62 family homes, each with generous accompanying open space. As part of the plans green and blue infrastructure on the site, including ponds, hedgerows, and trees, will retained or enhanced to improve biodiversity.

Bellair also propose a financial contribution to Fylde Council for the provision of affordable homes locally. Bellair managing director, Colin Campbell, said: “Of course, the demise of Great Birchwood as a holiday destination is sad, but our proposals will breathe new life into the site and offer a range of environmental and social benefits to the community.

“I am delighted that Cllr Rigby recognises this and has offered his support.”

The planning application will go before Fylde Council’s planning committee in the coming months with a decision expected early in the new year.