A BEACHFRONT Haven holiday park has revealed plans for a huge new adventure attraction and Wetherspoons pub.
Haven operates more than 50 holiday parks across the UK and attracts more than four million visitors a year.
Haven’s Presthaven Sands Holiday Park has been given permission to refurbish its adventure village and extend its existing play area.
They applied last year to Flintshire County Council for planning permission to carry out the works at its site.
The new equipment at the park will include an aerial adventure and zipwire, climbing wall, bungee trampolines, an inflatable arena, a “kids and tots” play area, and a “bark yard” for dogs.
The application has since been given planning consent by the council, albeit with some conditions attached.
These conditions include that the works start within five years and are carried out in accordance with the details provided in the planning documents.
A biosecurity risk assessment was to be approved by the council too.
Haven has since submitted a biosecurity risk assessment, which the council has accepted.
Extracts from a supporting statement from agents Planware read: “The proposal represents a major investment by Haven into the Presthaven Sands Holiday Park to enhance existing facilities and the customer experience.
“The existing site comprises a number of existing features and play equipment including crazy golf, play area and activity range, located between the existing entertainment complex serving the park and the swimming pool facilities.
“In summary, the proposal represents sustainable development and investment into an existing operational holiday park.”
Presthaven Sands caters to thousands of visitors annually reports Rhy Journal.
Plans to open a JD Wetherspoon pub at the park have also been given the go-ahead.
The supporting statement added: “As part of the constant review of improvement, Haven are seeking to upgrade the existing adventure area between the entertainment complex and swimming pool complex.
“The site of the proposed development lies at the centre of the holiday park, and comprises an existing limited activity range, crazy golf range, play area and show area for new caravans.
How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays
IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you’ve come to the right place…
BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there’s nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: “Don’t feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.
“Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.
“Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, ‘What do you think you could do?’ and maybe have a list of ‘I’m bored’ activity ideas on the fridge.”
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It’s tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don’t let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.
Liat says: “It’s unfair to expect older kids to power down but it’s important to set some ground rules.
“Set family tech rules together. If you’re often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren’t allowed any screen time until they’ve done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.
“Are there times when you’d like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
“Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.”
TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.
Liat says: “If you’re juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it’s normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.
“If you can’t afford or don’t want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids’ workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.
“Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn’t make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.”
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: “Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.
“Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.
“We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.
“Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.”
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: “Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.
“Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they’re wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.
“Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They’ll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.”
“This area is currently underutilised given its prominent location within the park, and accessibility to main facilities.”
Previous planning applications at the site which were approved included a “jump tower” and a “junior ropes course”.
The application also involves the introduction of seating areas with LED screens, a sand pit, a briefing room, and storage areas
Existing features at the park will be retained, including the mini golf area, container bar, and Sweet Treats and Chopstix food outlets.
The refurbished adventure village will solely be for the use of holidaymakers already visiting the park.
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