THE construction of a proposed holiday park on farmland near Kendal could be moving a step closer after developers submitted a Screening Opinion request to South Lakeland District Council.

Sunny Hollow Farm, at Grayrigg, is the subject of a major development plan to convert unused farm buildings and land into 41 holiday lodges, seven pods, six yurts and four safari tents, along with food and beverage offerings with associated facilities.

A screening opinion gives developers an indication if an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be needed before a formal application is submitted.

Pre-application advice was initially sought in 2018 by the applicant Michael Pratt.

A neighbour response submitted to SLDC by Ian Martin of Grayrigg said:

"This proposal is for a large development on land adjacent to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) which is a habitat for several protected species.

"The site is part of the floodplain for Lambrigg Beck and would require significant civil engineering work to provide adequate access, power supplies, and drainage and sewerage.

"The number of properties proposed is greater than the number of houses in Grayrigg.

"It is therefore necessary that full Environmental Impact Assessments are carried out.