CARAVAN park bosses are hopeful a plan to make the site a year-round operation will finally win the approval of council planners.

South End Caravan Park on Walney has already seen its plans knocked back once by Barrow Council over fears for nature as well as contravening policies in the council’s local plan.

But the proposals have now been resubmitted with a new ecology report - which it is hoped will be enough to convince the authority’s planning committee the scheme should now be given the green light.

Currently the Mulgrew family, who have operated the park successfully since 1976, can only open between Easter and November 14.

The application is for all year round use with 50 static and 30 touring caravans from its original 80 touring caravans.

Sarah Greg, who is one of the four directors, said: “We have resubmitted the application having had a good ecologist report done this time. I can’t see being open through the winter will have any adverse effect on the nature reserve so we are just hopeful it will be approved as soon as possible - particularly this year with staycation booking going up. In fact, last August was busier than ever. It has been good for us. People who own the caravans have enjoyed them more this year as they have not gone abroad.”

Councillor Helen Wall, who represents Walney South, said: “I know there are many regulations around caravan parks. I wish the caravan park well as it is a fantastic facility. My son uses it for his holiday and loved playing tennis there a year or two back. It’s wonderful and Barrow people use it a lot during the holidays.”

A statement making up the plans said: “This will allow the site owners to offer choice and meet the changing demands of its customers who wish to stay on the site. This caravan park is an asset to the local economy and can help support many complementary businesses. The park wants to offer customers a longer holiday season - allowing it to compete for business with other caravan parks already offering a twelve month season.”