Green light for almost 1,000 new caravans at Northampton holiday park set to be used for over 50s permanent living
Major plans to redevelop Billing Aquadrome and allow almost 1,000 caravans to be used as permanent homes on the site have been approved.
Permission has been given to Billing Aquadrome’s owners, Meadow Bay Villages, to station 996 static caravans at the holiday park that will be used for over-50s living.
According to planning documents, levels on the site would be raised so that the residences are located in the lowest flood risk area.
Wider regeneration plans approved for the site would also cut the maximum number of static caravans from 3,104 to 2,239. A further 1,223 static holiday caravans, 20 floating lodges and an area for the stationing of touring caravans and tents were also proposed on top of the permanent lodges.
The delivery of the 121-hectare site will come forward in multiple phases, with the first promising 110 static residential caravans and the demolition of some existing buildings.
Other planned works include a new lake, the refurbishment of the existing family entertainment building with restaurant services, an outdoor canopied seating area, and an extension to the swimming pool.
At the planning meeting, Labour councillor Sally Keeble (Dallington Spencer) raised concerns that marketing the two-bedroom accommodation in the area would attract low-income families hoping to use the second room as a children’s room. She said that there was not enough infrastructure built into the site to support multi-generational families, in what is essentially a “village of 996 homes”.
Geoffrey Smith, CEO of Meadow Bay Villages, told members that the holiday park had faced many years of underinvestment before they acquired it in 2024 and that they were aware of more than 1,200 families living there, despite the 25-day ‘close period’.
He added: “Our intention, which we’re happy to commit, is it will be an over 50s residential park with new units. The holiday park will be a holiday park where people come for short break holidays and leave and go back to their permanent addresses.
“This is only the first phase in a long term comittment that will reach £100m. Over the past two years, we have worked closely with West Northamptonshire Council and the Environment Agenct to create a robust framework that will see Billing Aquadrome become a leading resort for the region.
“We formally acknowledge the historical concerns some residents and councillors have raised about site management and flood risk. The park had become synonymous with repeated flooding and seasonal restrictions that were almost impossible to enforce.
“This application provides a clear, phased pathway to resolve those issues. Crucially, the regularisation of the residential occupation will generate the revenue needed to fund the major flood alleviation works that will make the site safer than it has ever been.”
The Environment Agency has said it is supportive of the proposals “to make the site safer in times of flood and to reduce in the number of static caravans”.
It is still reviewing the flood model, however the recommendation suggested by WNC officers states that permission would only be allowed subject to the agreement and recommendations of the Environment Agency.
The plans were approved by the committee, noting the condition that only people over 50 would be able to live in the permanent homes and the completion of a Section 106 agreement, including healthcare provision.