Folly Farm submits plans for £10 million holiday Village

If planning permission is granted, Folly Farm’s Holiday Village will involve a £10 million development of land adjoining the north of the attraction. As well as developing a range of accommodation types split into three themed areas - Safari, Fairground and Farm - and all the necessary infrastructure including shower and toilet blocks, the attractions management team plans to regenerate existing farm buildings into a cafe, games rooms and reception area.

The proposed development aims to create a unique themed holiday destination that will increase the profile of Folly Farm and Pembrokeshire as a whole, attracting visitors from further afield.

The development of the 11.03 hectare site, which is currently used as grazing pasture, will comply with the relevant local authority’s Local Development Plan (2013) policies, which seek to support innovation, create new jobs and increase spend within the local economy.

The management team started construction in September, with the caravan sites ready for summer 2017. Chris Ebsworth, director at Folly Farm said: “With the development of Folly Farm’s Holiday Village, our vision is to take the most successful and well-loved elements of the existing attraction and expand on them to offer a truly unique place to stay.

“At the moment, our plans will allow us to build 29 vintage showman wagons and shepherds huts, 27 timber lodges as well as space for 43 touring caravan pitches, and a range of safari, bell and circus tents.

“This is a natural step forward for us at Folly Farm. We’ve grown rapidly in the past three years investing approximately £2million per year on infrastructure, maintenance and new enclosures. We plan to continue this investment into the future alongside the Holiday Village.”

“By bringing another dimension to our offer, we aim to extend our trading seasons beyond the traditional May to September window. Our accommodation will attract new tourists to the area and provide an option to stay with us outside of the summer season, for long weekends and during half-term holidays. This development will also allow us to extend our Christmas and shoulder season opening.”

“The proposed accommodation would also create new jobs within the Holiday Village and Adventure Park, generating additional direct and indirect spend within the local economy, both during the construction and operation periods.”

“After many years of research, we have an exciting and unique proposal and we’re confident visitors will jump at the chance to have a magical stay at Folly Farm.”

 

For more information please visit our FAQ page on www.folly-farm.co.uk