Approval for a multi-million pound redesign at a long-running holiday park will turn a 'sleeping giant' into a tourism boost for north Norfolk communities, its owner has said.

The first phase of the Beeston Group's vision to build 21 for-sale holiday lodges at Mundesley Holiday Village, replacing the traditional holiday camp for bussed-in tourists, was last week green-lit by North Norfolk District Council.

Timothy Hay, managing director of the group, said the move would see the camp become an idyllic holiday village akin to those across the Atlantic in America's New England, with lodge-owners exploring the wider area also providing a welcome boost to the local economy.

'In the past there were 300 people arriving by coach, but because they didn't have a car they didn't venture out,' he said. 'Now, our customers will come by car and will go out to explore, see the attractions and eat out.

'It will transform what is now a fairly old-fashioned site into a beautiful, new holiday park benefitting the local area.'

Mr Hay, who secured the site from the Stalham-based Richardson's Group in 2014, said it would be a 'win-win' for both the community and jobs market, with 14 full-time employees and 14 contractors already on site.

He described the park as a 'sleeping giant' and said the holiday camp business had been dwindling over the last few years.

But with the first block of lodges sold out, and sales now being taken on the second, he said concerns over travelling abroad had seen a rise in domestic breaks.

'Staycations are becoming very popular,' he said. 'With the roads and rail improving, coming to the coast is now viewed as a better way to spend time off.

'Outside factors, such as problems in Syria and fluctuation in the Euro because of the Brexit debate, are having an effect. It seems some families are deciding to choose other locations rather than going abroad.'

Other Beeston group parks include Beeston Regis, Gold Coast and Hazelbury at East Runton and Overstrand Camping Park.

The holiday village was designed in a sail shape to reflect nearby Stow Hill Windmill and opened in the 1930s.

• Do you have a tourism story for us? Email correspondent lauren.cope@archant.co.uk