Twelve new permanent jobs would be created if planning permission is granted by the expansion of luxury Lake District holiday complex, it has been claimed.
Approval is being sought by Darwin (Keswick Reach) Limited for the siting of an additional 44 lodges at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat along with an extension to the existing restaurant.
The site has implemented planning permission for 175 lodges. The proposal would see this figure increase to 219.
A planning statement, submitted with the application, states: “The new offer will enhance and broaden the sites appeal.
“In terms of employment the development of the original Lodge Retreat created 42 permanent jobs and Darwin envisage that the extension to the park will require 12 additional permanent staff.
“Expansion of the site and improvements to the restaurant facilities will support and continue to encourage year-round visitors, supporting full-time jobs.”
The application is also supported by an economic statement which considers the additional employment alongside enhanced visitor spend in the wider area which it is estimated will amount to around £995,000.
The statement added: “Darwin has more than 24 holiday sites across the UK. Darwin has established themselves as a fast-growing high quality luxury holiday company which has established itself as a market leader in the UK.
“With more than 24 holiday sites spread across the Lake District, Yorkshire, North Wales, Surrey, Kent, the Isle of Wight, Somerset, Dorset, Devon Cornwall and Scotland, including sites within national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty, greenbelt and other sensitive habitats our client understands the complexities of these locations.
“The established site has demonstrated Darwin’s commitment to working with the environment and landscape; they have already delivered a high-quality site in this location and the current application seeks a minor extension to the site, to respond for continuing high demand.”
