The proposal aims to replace a nine-hole golf facility at Combe Haven Holiday Park, in Harley Shute Road, St Leonards.
The park, which spans 96 acres, currently has around 900 static caravan pitches and a variety of leisure facilities.
These include an entertainment venue, sports courts, children’s play areas, and both indoor and outdoor pools.
Caravans at Combe Valley Holiday Park (Image: Nigel Chadwick)
The golf area, located in the north-eastern corner of the park, was once a pitch and putt course, but more recently has been used for ‘foot-golf’, a mixture of football and golf.
The new plans seek permission to redevelop this site to accommodate 15 two-bedroom static holiday caravans.
The proposal includes removing an existing timber pavilion building in the foot-golf area.
The loss of the long-established golf facility, which has been part of the site for more than 30 years, was noted in the planning application.
Despite its historical significance, the applicants reported a sustained decline in the golfing facility’s use, with a 12 per cent year-on-year decrease in recent years.
The proposed layout of the additional caravans (Image: Laister Planning Ltd)
According to the application, Combe Haven is a significant contributor to the Hastings tourism economy.
In 2024, the park welcomed more than 100,000 guests, who stayed an average of four nights each.
By the applicants’ estimates, these visitors generated around £3.4 million in off-site expenditure within the local community, supporting businesses and services.
The application argues that the additional caravans will not only meet the increased demand for staycation accommodation but also enhance the park’s revenue streams.
This, in turn, will help the park remain competitive in the tourism sector.
The entrance to the holiday park (Image: Google)
If approved, the new caravans will be installed in the north-eastern corner of the park, replacing the existing foot-golf facility.
The application outlines that the new caravans would blend in with the existing units at the park.
The proposed site will be accessed through the existing holiday park.
The plans can be viewed on the Hastings Borough Council planning portal, using the reference HS/FA/25/00639.