Historic estate in tourism boost

The estate, which is owned by the Marquess of Normanby, and covers a section of the national park near Sandsend, has operated a small caravan site on its grounds since 1948.

But in order to cope with a rise in demand as holidaymakers choose cheaper forms of travel during the recession, the estate has submitted an application to the North York Moors National Park Planning Authority (NYMNPA) on Thursday to dramatically expand to provide 20 touring caravan pitches, eight camping pitches and six permanent camping pods, as well as a new amenities block and access road.

John Hoyes, chief executive of the estate, told the Yorkshire Post the application, which is recommended for approval by planning officers, represents a huge economic boost for the local village of Lythe.

“This will be fantastic for the village and bring a lot more people in,” he said.

“The application will do a great deal in supporting the existing businesses in the village and it will give us an economic shot in the arm.

“This site is also just one field boundary away from the walking route the Cleveland Way which has seen a huge resurgence in popularity in recent years.

“We see this as a great place for people to stay when they are walking the route and hopefully will attract more people into the area.”

A renewed strategy to boost tourism in the North York Moors is currently under way after it emerged that visitor numbers have fallen by about 10 per cent during the peak summer period as financially-stricken householders ditch days out and holidays to save money.

Visitor numbers were down by 13,250 between April 1 and August 31 at the visitor centres at Sutton Bank and Danby.