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Green light for Thirsk park's eco-lodges

Go-ahead has been given for an eco-friendly development of luxury Scandanavian-style lodges at a top Thirsk holiday park.

The 36 mainly timber-built second homes at York House Holiday Park in Balk are designed so that families spending leisure time in the county will have a minimal impact on the natural environment.

Built with timber from sustainable sources and recycled materials, the lodges feature water and energy-saving devices, and a high level of insulation to reduce the need for heating.

According to park directors Tim and Phil Brierley, the development continues the family business's commitment to "green tourism" which has already won it a number of prestigious accolades.

TV botanist David Bellamy recently presented York House with his prestigious conservation award at its top gold level, and commented that park had done wonders for the natural world.

Over the past 25 years, thousands of indigenous trees and shrubs have been planted, and wildlife habitats created for the many different birds and mammals which thrive in the grounds.

Located at the foot of the Hambleton Hills, York House offers caravan holiday homes for sale, and pitches for visitors with their own touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.

The first of the luxury lodges, including a show-home, will be in place shortly. Prices will start from around £95,000 - and a range of different two and three-bedroom specifications is on offer.

As well as a low carbon footprint, the lodges will also have a low visual presence. Natural screening and generous spacing between units will ensure that they remain unobtrusive on the landscape.

In addition to the new jobs which will be created, Tim and Phil also see other local benefits resulting from the park's lodge development:

"Many people want to own a holiday home in beautiful areas such as this, and tourism does make a very valuable contribution to the regional economy and to supporting local businesses."

"Unfortunately, those who buy a bricks-and-mortar second home are often responsible for pushing up house prices, and for reducing the number of lower-cost properties available for younger buyers."

"Holiday lodges on parks pose none of these threats - and instead of spending weekends tending the garden, you can get straight down to enjoying your break!" said Phil.