Next stage for Cushendall caravan park

At Tuesday night’s Leisure and Development meeting councillors voted in favour of the scheme proceeding with a detailed design and procurement of a contractor for future and further consideration of Council.

The caravan park has, in previous years, carried out upgrades to its touring site provision.

There currently remains one area of the caravan park which requires similar upgrade works to achieve the following objectives - Compliance with the fire safety spacing requirements as set out in the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 and Model Standards for Touring Caravan Sites 1983; Upgrade current electrical supply to compliance with 2015 Regulations; Provision of infrastructure and surfaces to enable use in all weathers; Provide an enhanced visitor experience to maximise potential income.

Outline designs have been completed which illustrate the subsequent impact of compliance with such fire spacing requirements results in a reduction in the number of touring pitches from 34 to 26.

Additionally this area of the caravan park has suffered from erosion by recent storms and therefore enhanced sea defences are needed to protect the infrastructure for years to come.

A professional pre-tender estimate has been carried out which estimates the capital cost for the works at circa £130,000.

When asked by Cllr Trevor Clarke what the annual revenue for the site was Corporate Director Richard Baker confirmed the net gain was approximately £30,000 per year.

Cllr Kieran Mulholland proposed that the committee accept the recommendation, this was seconded by Alderman Maura Hickey.