Benone holiday park expansion could add 70 new caravan pitches

Benone Holiday and Coastal Park

A major expansion of caravan and motorhome provision at Benone Holiday and Coastal Park has moved a step closer after Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council backed plans to explore space for an additional 70 touring pitches.

The proposal comes amid growing demand for caravan tourism across the north coast, with councillors saying the current Benone site becomes overcrowded during busy periods and now risks falling behind expanding private holiday parks nearby.

Members of the council’s Leisure and Development Committee were asked to approve the first stage of the authority’s Capital Investment Process for infrastructure improvements at the popular coastal destination, including feasibility work, scoping studies and an outline business case.

If ultimately approved following further assessment and masterplanning, the project could significantly reshape the council-owned holiday park over the coming years.

Pressure growing at busy coastal site

An officers’ report presented to councillors said the park currently operates 95 touring pitches “located in a relatively small site”, with congestion becoming a problem during peak holiday periods.

Council officers said the existing layout can create “a congested experience” for visitors, prompting proposals to refurbish the current touring area while also reducing the density of vans already on site.

The report stated that expanding touring and motorhome facilities could deliver economies of scale because much of the existing staffing structure and infrastructure is already designed around caravan tourism.

It added:

“As much of the infrastructure and staffing arrangements are geared towards servicing touring and motorhome provision, economies of scale could be achieved through the proposal for an additional 70 touring sites, subject to a feasibility assessment.”

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Benone Holiday and Coastal Park, outlined in red, with the lower green area proposed for a major expansion of touring caravan pitches.

As part of the early-stage work, officers will also assess whether additional shower blocks and amenity facilities would be required to support increased visitor numbers.

Council looking at wider long-term transformation

The latest proposals form part of a broader long-term review of Benone Holiday and Coastal Park, which has been under consideration by the council since 2023.

Elected members previously approved the findings of a Strategic Outline Case into the future of the site in September 2023, subject to wider consultation with stakeholders and the public.

Earlier this year, councillors were presented with the outcome of that consultation process and agreed to reconsider aspects of the original strategy in favour of an alternative approach.

Council officers are now developing a draft “Blueprint” for the future of Benone, with discussions already taking place with Limavady and Benbradagh elected representatives.

The blueprint is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2026.

Block plan for proposed major expansion of touring caravan pitches at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Benone Holiday and Coastal Park.

According to council papers, the wider redevelopment vision could involve a “major reconfiguration” of the holiday park and is likely to be delivered over a medium to long-term timeframe of more than five years.

Key objectives identified by the council include:

• Developing short, medium and long-term interventions

• Building on the strengths of the Benone site and location

• Identifying opportunities for tourism growth

• Improving visitor experience quality

• Reducing operational inefficiencies

Accessible camping cabins also planned

Alongside the proposed touring pitch expansion, the council is also planning major accessibility improvements at the site.

Officers are seeking approval to begin feasibility work for two fully accessible camping cabins built to full “Changing Places” standards.

The new units would replace two of the park’s six standard camping cabins and include specialist facilities such as changing benches, ceiling track hoists and accessible toilet provision.

Council papers stated the move forms part of wider efforts to improve inclusivity at Benone and make the site more accessible for visitors with complex needs and disabilities.

Works are already underway to upgrade one existing pod with a wet room, while the council also plans to procure a mobile Changing Places facility later this year to support other accommodation on site.

Councillors welcome growth plans

DUP Alderman Mark Fielding backed the proposals during committee discussions, arguing the expansion was necessary if Benone is to compete with growing private tourism operators across the borough.

Seconding a proposal from fellow DUP councillor Steven Callaghan, Alderman Fielding said the current site remained comparatively small.

“The expansion of 70 tourist sites would be welcome,” he said.

“Other sites, other private caravan parks across the borough are expanding their numbers and since Covid there has been an increase in buying caravans, so I think this has to be welcomed.”

The proposals will now move forward into the first stage of the council’s capital works process, allowing officers to carry out detailed feasibility assessments, professional costing exercises and outline business case development before any final decisions are made.

The work is intended to reduce future delivery timescales should the projects ultimately be approved within the wider Benone masterplan.