Proposals to increase the size of a popular family-owned caravan park in Belford by almost 200 pitches have been approved by Northumberland County Council.
Dunham Leisure, based in Belford, was granted permission to build an additional 199 static caravan pitches at the village’s South Meadows Caravan Park. The new pitches will be built out over the next seven years.
The plans had been recommended for approval by council planners ahead of Tuesday’s meeting of the council’s strategic planning committee. Speaking at the meeting, planning agent Sophie Watson of Savills outlined the benefits the application would bring.
She said: “This application provides a long-term vision and a masterplan for the site. There are 12 comments in support, many of which are from local business owners. Their reasons for supporting the development centre around bringing investment into Belford, increasing local revenue and creating jobs in the local area.”
Coun Georgina Hill was concerned about the visual impact increasing the size of the caravan park would have. She said: “I think I feel with caravan applications there’s not too much to hang it on with design, unlike with housing. I’m not satisfied with the visual impact overall.
“You look at the benefits and there are some benefits, but is it worth the harm? People don’t ask for caravan parks in industrial estates, they’re in prime sites. I’m doubting this one.”
But Coun Alex Walllace said the council had to cater for the increasing number of tourists to the county. He said: “I think we have to be cognisant of the fact that visitor numbers are increasing. We have a responsibility to stimulate economic growth and therefore we must provide accommodation.”
Coun Jeff Reid was also supportive, but was concerned about the seven-year delivery timeline. He said: “I’m supportive of this. I believe it is a valuable addition to the accommodation offer and it gives people the opportunity to come and visit this great place.
“I don’t think think this is the last time this site will be before this committee. A lot of infrastructure is going to need to go into that site before one caravan can have an impact. It’s going to be a lot of investment for little return for five years – but I wish them well.”
The plans were approved by 10 votes to one, with one abstention.
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