Tuesday July 7th 2026
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
An East Lothian holiday park is expanding with a mini golf course, sports pitch and food kiosks due to growing demand for outdoor activities.
Thurston Manor Holiday Home Park, near Innerwick, has been given the go ahead to add to its current leisure facilities in a move it says will allow it to continue to flourish.
However a condition has been added to restrict the number of bird boxes they planned to put up to counter any impact on surrounding countryside.
The operators of the park had submitted a biodiversity plan including tree planting and installing the boxes for birds on the site.
A report on the application said council officers had raised concerns there would be too many creating too much competition for the birds.
It said: “The boxes used should attract different species, but a reduction of the number of boxes will reduce competition.
“It would be reasonable to condition that notwithstanding their submitted Biodiversity Enhancement Plan, no more than one bird box shall be placed on each tree in order to reduce competition.”
In its proposals, park operators said the additional facilities are a response to increased demand for modern, high-quality, outdoor leisure and entertainment suitable for families, children, and young people.
It said: “The development will strengthen the park’s recreational offer, improve weather resilient activity spaces, and support the continued attractiveness and viability of the holiday park.”
Thurston Manor Leisure Park is a well-established holiday and caravan park operating under a recognised leisure use. Existing facilities include a swimming pool, restaurant, shop, arcade, outdoor play area, and entertainment spaces.
The new additions include a Multi Use Gaming Area (MUGA) which can be used for football, baseball and other sports, a canopy for outdoor seating and adventure golf area alongside an art lodge and two mini food kiosks.
The planning statement adds: “The proposed MUGA and associated leisure enhancements represent a high quality upgrade to the outdoor recreation provision at Thurston Manor Leisure Park.
“The development delivers modern, accessible and family friendly facilities that respond directly to the needs of visitors and strengthen the long-term recreational offer of the park.”
Planners approved the expansion of the park’s leisure area with a condition that no more than one bird box is put up per tree.
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