William’s Den plans approved amid road ‘safety’ objections
80 NEW PITCHES POSSIBLE AT EXPANDED SITE
COUNCILLORS have called on the owner of a popular adventure play centre in North Cave to redirect caravans away from the village’s roads after approving the expansion of its camp site by up to 80 pitches.
East Riding Council’s Planning Committee approved plans from William’s Den for the expansion of the caravan and camp site, in Castle Farm, Wold Hill, but road safety concerns were raised.
The applicant’s planning documents stated the expansion would provide visitors with a sustainable tourism site, aiding the local and wider East Riding economy.
But South Cave Parish Council objected to the plans because of large numbers of caravans and motorhomes using local roads, some which have no footpaths, raising safety and congestion concerns.
The plans stated the expansion would allow William’s Den to offer more to visitors who would also be able to go to look shops, restaurants and other facilities.
The documents added it would follow the site’s recent success after first opening and promote healthy and environmentally friendly holidays.
Documents said: “Proposals would not be to the detriment of the visual amenities of the site, residential amenity, highway safety, matters of ecology and biodiversity and would not have a detrimental impact on the openness or character of the surrounding landscape.”
Councillors heard East Riding highways officers thought the plans were acceptable but its ecology team had requested the site feature bird boxes and other facilities for wildlife.
But the committee also heard signs warning visitors not to travel through North Cave with caravans were only advisory and they could be legally barred form doing so.
Committee member Cllr Nick Coultish said he shared concerns raised by South Cave Parish Council about road safety.
The committee agreed to ask William’s Den to update its website to direct traffic away from village roads and towards highways such as the A63 and M62.
They also agreed to ask the site to direct traffic leaving it right, away from North Cave.
Committee member Cllr Phil Davison said roads used by traffic going to and from the campsite were travelling on roads which could be dangerous. The councillor said: “People using the footpaths could face danger from traffic travelling between the site and North Cave.”
Committee chair Cllr Leo Hammond said the site was impressive, but added the owners should also be asked about the possibility of improving landscaping with trees and hedges.
The William’s Den adventure play centre first opened in 2017 and won acclaim as one of the country’s best rural businesses.