Paultons Park reveals plans to build on-site holiday village

Bosses at Paultons Park want to build 85 to 95 self-catering units, as it remains the only UK theme park attracting over 300,000 visitors each year with no on-site accommodation.

Directors at the park did tell the Echo that the concept could “potentially take several years” to come to fruition.

The resort will adopt a “Scandinavian” style, bringing a restaurant and a small shop for convenience foods, while repurposing part of the existing car park for holiday village guests.

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A reception to provide an arrival space for guests would also be erected alongside an entertainment room and a games room.

Documents argue that unlike typical holiday accommodations in the New Forest, this resort aims to be a seamless extension of the park experience.

Paultons Park also says that the new resort would be “essential” for ensuring the theme park’s long-term sustainability and keeping it competitive in a market that includes Legoland Windsor, Chessington World of Adventures, and Thorpe Park.

The proposed development will be located next to the existing theme park and car park on land bordering the existing Cobra and Edge rides.

Paultons Park has lodged an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening request – a precursor to a request for planning permission.

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The purpose of an EIA screening is to assess if plans will have significant effects on the environment, and this information aids the local planning authority in making a final decision.

James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park. (Image: Chris Atkinson) James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park said: “We are in the very early stages of developing a vision for accommodation at Paultons Park. However, with lengthy processes to work through, including securing planning permission, this concept could potentially take several years to come to fruition.

“We are committed to continually reinvesting into our attraction, providing a world-class experience for our guests, and planning for the long-term.

“In the immediacy, we already have extensive and very exciting expansion projects underway and the current works on site remain our priority.”