Aparthotel plan submitted for former Linton Camp site

Planning was approved in October 2020 by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority  for the Linton Regeneration Company to build a high-end hotel and leisure complex on the 18.6-acre Linton Camp, which, in the past, was a World War Two camp and school for evacuees, and later a holiday home.

Linton Camp in its heyday (Image: YDNPA)

The company is now seeking to revise the proposals to make the hotel an aparthotel, which has rooms with their own kitchens.

This is in reflection of the post-pandemic market and employment trends and people are now being invited to view the plans at the site over two days in December.

In the revised plans, 79 per cent of the application area remains unchanged from the previously consented proposal, including the southern and northern lodges built into the landscape.

It is only the central curved grassed roof building in the lower portion of the site that will be altered if the revised plans are approved and this will include a 36 per cent reduction in size and a 1.5m reduction in the building’s ridge height.

Revised plans for the aparthotel (Image: Linton Regeneration Company))

A spokesperson for the Linton Regeneration Company said: “While the original scheme passed all financial viability tests in 2020, today’s changing labour market left us with concerns about staff availability to properly run the extensive offer on-site now and in the future.

“We didn’t want to reduce the quality of the offer available, so we sought an alternative solution which would meet future customer needs.”

The site will still require a full-time workforce of 30, with an additional 20 part-time/seasonal workers at peak times.

The spokesperson added: “The new plans will drive opportunities into the wider economy to provide additional visitor experiences as well as outsourcing goods and services.

“As such, it offers more opportunities for businesses within the local area to provide services, leisure opportunities, attractions, food and drink, and more to our guests.”

The on-site facilities for guests include an activity hub to promote experiences outside of the site, including walking and cycling, as well as a themed bar, two bowling lanes, and a small, linked cinema experience.

Linton Camp pictured in 2020 (Image: YDNPA)

They also include a small gym and largely outdoor spa with a biomass sauna, steam room, and hot tub in an external canopied area, built into the landscape. There would also be a small a la carte restaurant. 

The spokesperson said: “The revised Linton Camp aparthotel and leisure scheme will continue to embody a sustainable ethos, utilising green technologies and dynamic design, to create a high-quality development appropriate for its setting.

“The updated scheme has been adapted in response to a robust review of current trends, to ensure the aspirations of the final proposal are both feasible and successful in our current economic climate.”

A public consultation will take place on the site, near Grassington, on December 6 from 12 noon to 6.30pm and on December 7 from 9am to 12 noon. No booking is necessary, people can just turn up at the times stated.