'It would be vandalism': Residents give their views on 'Center Parcs' plans for Pugneys as idea is rejected

A huge backlash followed the proposals which were first submitted in 2018 but were only recently considered by the planning officers.

They included building almost 100 holiday homes, a restaurant, cafe/lounge, spa, gym and improved water sports on the park’s lake.

But with the site classified as greenbelt land, Wakefield Council’s planning committee recently halted the application from progressing further.

They said it failed to “respect and enhance” the natural surroundings, and criticised the applicant, Pugneys Park Lodges Ltd, for not providing adequate details for traffic management and pedestrian safety.

However, the general public were far more scathing in their opinions, with around 120 letters of objections posted to the planning department.

One wrote: “Other than very short term financial gain for the council how would the area benefit from vandalising one of the few truly beautiful areas accessible to the public?”

“What next, convert Newmillerdam Boathouse into a Costa?

“We pay a small fortune to live in the area via council tax and a walk around Pugneys in the peace and quiet makes it worthwhile.

“I have no wish to walk around a Butlins camp on a Sunday afternoon.”

Another said: “Who wants to come on holiday to Wakefield? Is there really the demand for people to come here?”

Pugneys Park Lodges Ltd said building the holiday park at the site could attract 700,000 visitors a year.

They had hoped to build 75 three-bedroom self-catering timber lodges and 23 accommodation pods, a 60-seater restaurant and cafe/lounge area.

A statement with the application reads: “The accommodation model seeks to emulate, but on a much smaller scale, the principles employed by other operations, such as Center Parcs.

“The physical opportunities at the park are enormous and can rival national facilities anywhere in the UK.”