Racecourse plans for year-round camping pitches

Cartmel Racecourse has submitted an application to Westmorland and Furness Council

Year-round camping pitches could be operated at a racecourse in a bid to provide steady income.

Cartmel Racecourse in south Cumbria has applied to Westmorland and Furness Council to operate 29 touring pitches for tents and camper vans all year round.

The site, which hosts nine annual race days, currently has permission to operate 80 pitches for 44 days a year.

Planning documents said the year-round use of just over a third of the pitches would allow "a steadier and more regular source of income" to the racecourse.

"[It] will lead to year-round use of the site, providing greater employment opportunities and a more sustainable source of income for the site and local businesses within the village of Cartmel," the planning application said.

The racecourse has operated on the edge of the hamlet since 1856 and those behind the plans said no physical changes would have to be made.

The pitches are "surrounded on all sides by the wide racecourse" and guests would be able to hire other facilities on site, such as its restaurant and function room, potentially leading to extra jobs.

Planning documents said the racecourse had noticed a demand from visitors to stay longer than the race events.

Westmorland and Furness Council has launched a consultation on the plans which closes on 6 November.