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There’s not a lot in the teeny north Yorkshire village of Kirkby Fleetham. There’s an grand estate a few miles out, a medieval castle mound and pretty surrounding countryside. Its hottest attraction is probably the Black Horse Inn, a 14-room pub with accommodation and a two AA Rosette Restaurant which was awarded a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award in 2025. But if recently submitted plans get the green light, the Black Horse could become much more than a pub-with-rooms.
Proposals from Fat Badger Group, the owners of the Black Horse Inn, envision the space behind the property as a holiday park. Under the plans, it would have 24 lodges, 11 holiday lets converted from existing buildings, a two-storey building with a reception, farm shop, spa and accommodation for staff, two large ponds and two padel courts. They’re also seeking to establish an area for motorhome parking and refurbishment the pub itself. That’s all forecast to cost around £8 million.
But the proposed park has split local opinion. At the time of writing, the application has received 71 objections and 23 comments in support. Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that one objector stated: ‘The proposed large-scale development, located at the centre of the village, is entirely out of character with the existing scale and nature of the area. It would dominate and overwhelm the village setting.’
Another person expressed concern that ‘there would be a significant increase in noise and light pollution from the sports activities and activities associated with the holiday lodges’. Others have raised worries over highway safety, the risk of flooding, sewage capacity and the loss of a wildlife habitat.
On the flipside, supporters of the scheme argue that it will help to boost the local economy. The application itself says that it would ‘provide good quality services and would add to the quality of life for residents of the local community’ and deliver ‘important social, economic and environmental benefits’.
One local who backs the plans said: ‘As a resident of the village, I believe we are lucky to have a local business willing to invest such a large amount into the local area.’
A decision hasn’t been made yet on whether to grant planning approval or not. The consultation expiry date is May 26 and the determination deadline is June 2.
ICYMI: A prehistoric British building is being recreated and turned into a tourist attraction.
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