THE architects behind approved plans to build a holiday complex on the site of the semi-derelict Linton Camp, near Grassington, have won a national design award.

Plans by Natural Land to replace the former Second World War camp for evacuees with a hotel and self-catering accommodation were approved by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority in October, 2020. Work has not yet started.

Members of the authority approved the innovative, green scheme after hearing it would provide a high-quality development and secure a significant level of employment and visitor spend in the local economy.

Trail Architects, who designed the hotel, spa, gym and self-catering accommodation, have now won the Architecture - Future Building or Project award in the Scottish Design Awards.

A spokesperson for Perth based Trail Architects said: “The Linton Hotel project was a great opportunity and we are just delighted that is receiving wider recognition at the end of a challenging and rewarding process.

“ It has been a difficult year for many, and it was great to see so many fantastic projects developed by the Scottish design community being showcased on the night .”

The award judges said Linton Camp once offered a countryside education to inner city children and that the new proposal would ‘seek to offer that experience to new generations’.

“This challenging site, located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, next to a scheduled monument, had been subject to several failed planning processes previously. Following rigorous development and dialogue with both planners and community, this project has received planning committee approval, addressing all the YDNP’s objectives, centred around enhancing sustainable tourism and local employment,” said the judges.

‘Hay meadow roofs’ will ‘echo surrounding field patterns, while the development will include stone walls, stone setts and cobbles. Buildings will be heated and cooled using air and ground source technology.