CLS delivers groundbreaking work at Holiday lodge park gem

Greg Rhodesin Renovations & New Builds

Groundworks and civils specialists CLS have completed a major infrastructure project under a £1.5m holiday lodge development.

Angrove Country Park is sited on the verge of the North Yorkshire moors in 1,000 acres of arable farmland managed by the Petch family. Created from the bespoke wedding venue the family opened several years ago, the park offers lodges for private use as well as year-round short and long stay holiday lets in prestigious lodges, enjoying views across some of the most scenic countryside in Britain.

Before the accommodation could rise from the ground, significant infrastructure had to be put in place to ensure optimum functionality of the Great Ayton site, already billed as a staycation gem commanding landscape views of North York Moors national park.

"Our glamping site wedding venture proved so popular, attracting up to 150 guests at each event, we realised we wanted to enter the holiday lodge market, which we see as a more permanent alternative," says Alan Petch.

The farming entrepreneurs appointed Guisborough, Cleveland-based CLS - currently celebrating 50 years in groundworks and infrastructure - to lay the foundations for the new park.

The broad spread of provision embraced initial earthmoving, installation of drainage and utilities ducting and major civil engineering that included lodge foundation pads, access roads, footpaths, a roadway bridge and soft landscaping.

"We've enjoyed a really close working relationship with them," says Alan. "They are experts in their field, are local and know their business inside out. They adapted to our needs and were flexible in redesigning elements of infrastructure as the project progressed.

"A family business like ourselves, the Millers work on the ground and are involved with every aspect of a project, ensuring a close partnership throughout."

Already enjoying 95% occupancy in the holiday lets, Alan was told early on by colleagues that "you'll never sink so much money into the ground than preparing for the development of a holiday lodge park".

The 48-year old entrepreneur took the advice to heart in searching out a local, specialist groundworks and infrastructure contractor to help ensure a successful future for Angrove Country Park as it continues to develop its offering.

Run on a model of ecological sustainability, the Park gives guests ample opportunity to witness wildlife diversity up close and personal from their lodge and along miles of riverside walks. Yorkshire stone has been used throughout and the family has planted more than 10,000 native trees, erecting bird and bat boxes across the site, sowing swathes of wildflower seeds to attract pollinators and establishing their own beehives around the park.

"We strive to recycle as much as we can and have already introduced a plastic-free policy in our G & Tea House, café and bistro my partner Louise runs," Alan adds. "Life's about showing visitors the bigger picture about wildlife and looking after the environment. Attention to detail is critical, as guest expectations run high, especially when they are staying in "God's own country."


www.cleveland-land-services.co.uk

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