The Problem

Haulfryn Group Ltd has submitted a major planning application (Ref: 26/00908/MAJ) to Teignbridge District Council. The proposal seeks to demolish the existing reception building, offices, and Owner Services area to construct 54 self-catering holiday apartments arranged across three separate two-storey blocks.

This intense high-density urban development in a rural setting faces overwhelming opposition from lodge owners, local residents, and environmental experts due to severe concerns over its appearance, loss of a physical reception area, reduced security, infrastructure strain, diminished holiday park character, ecological damage and market over supply.

Why This Matters

• Ecological Threat: The Devon Wildlife Trust has formally objected. The site directly interfaces with the South Hams Special Area of Conservation Greater Horseshoe Bat Sustenance Zone. There is insufficient evidence that critical local biodiversity will be protected from increased light and noise pollution. The Tree Officer has expressed concerns.
• Inappropropriate Scale and Massing: The proposed buildings are entirely inappropriate for an elevated rural setting in terms of size, positioning, detailed design and materials. No thought has been given to blending them with the natural surroundings, nor to their appearance from near and distant views across the Teign Valley. Visitors will be presented with a blank elevation as they climb the hill into the Park. 
• Overwhelming Infrastructure Strain: Adding dozens of high-turnover units will flood the park with traffic, creating severe parking shortages, worsening local road network and access issues, and compromising pedestrian safety. There is no adequate sustainable transport plan. The Flood Management Team has objected.
• Overcrowded Leisure Facilities: Finlake’s shared amenities—including the pools, gym, and spa—are already heavily utilised. This development will lead to increased pressure on these spaces, directly degrading the peaceful, premium holiday experience that lodge owners invested in, and visitors have come to expect.
• Loss of Physical Reception and Owner Services area: The redevelopment of the reception building will mean visitors and lodge owners will no longer have a clearly signposted contact point for help and guidance, nor a base for Park security.

The Ask

We, the undersigned lodge owners and local community members, urge Teignmouth Planning Committee to reject planning application 26/00908/MAJ. We ask Teignmouth Councillors to prioritise the ecological integrity of Devon’s wildlife, reject these buildings that are more suitable for urban settings, consider the major impact on local infrastructure, be mindful of visitor and lodge owner experience, and protect the character of the area we all value.