Option 1: A policy to manage proposals involving caravan and camping sites

Comment

Representation ID: 2246

Received: 11/02/2012

A stringent policy should be applied to caravan sites. It would ne inapprioriate to relax current conditions on these sites. The site on the country park is just about as large as it should be now and any further expansion would compromise this important area.

Object

Representation ID: 2555

Received: 26/04/2012

Upgrading Holiday Parks and their associated facilities is supported. Extending holiday seasons to all year round holiday use is supported. There should be separate policies relating to Holiday Home (static) caravans and Touring Caravans / Tent camping (the wording "Touring Units" could be used to define Touring caravans, Folding Caravans, Tents, Motor Caravans and Trailer Tents). Please see full text of main representation.

Support

Representation ID: 2936

Received: 24/04/2012

para 6.60 - supported

Support

Representation ID: 3115

Received: 27/04/2012

Support Option 1

Comment

Representation ID: 3326

Received: 25/04/2012

Bourne Leisure notes that paragraph 6.59 of the consultation document acknowledges that "caravan and camping sites contribute in an important way to tourism". In regard to the statement that, "the existing caravan and camping pitches in the district are close to vulnerable ecological and natural habitat areas and their expansion might require specific guidance", the Company would reiterate that development management policies should take into account not only environmental
but also the economic and social objectives for the area, such as promoting tourism, and carefully balance environmental matters (for example, the protection/ scope for enhancement of sites of nature conservation value or landscape value) with the economic and social benefits of specific development proposals. Moreover, paragraph 113 of the National Planning Policy Framework is relevant in this context; there is a need to distinguish between the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites, "so that protection is commensurate with their status and gives appropriate weight to their importance and the contribution that they make to wider ecological networks".

In regard to the proposed options for policy formulation, Bourne Leisure supports proposed Option 1, namely to provide specific guidance on caravan and camping sites, but considers that the policy as currently written within the draft Development Management Plan is too restrictive.

In regard to suggested Policy 1 (c), Bourne Leisure strongly supports the proposal that the use of caravan and camping sites should be restricted to a seasonal basis (operating between 28 February in any one year and 14 January in the following year). A closure for six weeks is essential to allow for maintenance works. It is also important to ensure that these sites are only used for holiday purposes and that visitor accommodation does not become a person's sole or main place of residence.

In regard to Option 1 (d), the Company considers that any policy reference to a specific ratio of static to tourer pitches is far too prescriptive, and that the design, layout and use of individual holiday parks, including the number of pitches which are resewed for touring caravans and campers, should reflect a specific site's characteristics (including location, setting and access) and the financial viability case. In any event, the layout of a site in terms of the detail of bases and pitches, density, landscaping and facilities and the number of pitches allocated to static or tourers should only be controlled through both site licences and conditions attached to planning permissions.

Bourne Leisure therefore suggests a new tourism policy which expressly supports and encourages the retention, enhancement and expansion of existing tourism accommodation, including holiday parks, subject to necessary environmental or other development management measures, particularly where proposals result in an improvement to the range and quality of accommodation and facilities, and the enhancement of the setting and landscaping of the accommodation. The suggested wording of the policy is as follows:

The extension of existing camping, caravan and chalet sites

The extension in area of existing camping, caravan and chalet sites and the change of use of land within existing sites will be permitted provided the proposal:

(i) would not, either on its own or cumulatively in combination with other established or proposed sites in the vicinity, harm the landscape character or rural amenity of the countryside and the resident population;

(ii) is conveniently and well- located in relation to an adequate road system which canaccommodate the traffic generated;

(iii) where possible has convenient access to frequent public transport services; and

(iv) would not significantly reduce the range and choice of available accommodation as a result of a loss of tent and/or touring caravan pitches.


New site facilities, internal reorganisation and intensification of existing sites

Proposals for the intensification (increase in pitch number within the existing permitted area), the reorganisation of uses/layout (within the existing site) and the enhancement of site facilities/provision of new facilities in connection with existing sites for tents, touring caravans, static caravans and chalets will be permitted provided the proposal:

(i) would not, either on its own or cumulatively with the remainder of the site or in combination with other established or proposed sites in the vicinity, harm the landscape character or rural amenity of the countryside and resident population;

(ii) is conveniently and well-located in relation to an adequate road system which can accommodate the traffic generated;

(iii) where possible has convenient access to frequent public transport services; and

(iv) includes landscape improvements relevant to the development and a scheme for their maintenance.

A further, consistent policy for the development of new sites could be added to the emerging development management plan to read as follows:

Development of New Camping, Caravan or Chalet sites The development of new camping, caravan or chalet sites will be permitted provided that the proposed development:

(i) would not, either on its own or cumulatively in combination with other established or proposed sites in the vicinity, harm the landscape character or rural amenity of the countryside and resident population;

(ii) is conveniently and well located in relation to an adequate road system which can accommodate the traffic generated; and

(iii) where possible has convenient access to frequent public transport services.

Comment

Representation ID: 3344

Received: 26/04/2012

Paragraph 6.60: Point b) of the suggested policy needs re-wording. Presumably it should read "the proposal would not have an adverse impact on surrounding areas or the wider environment, and an assessment of the potential ecological and landscape impact is provided". The policy should also require that development of caravan and camping sites should also consider the incorporation of green infrastructure.