Caravan can stay at alpaca farm says council

Councillors have backed a family-run Fife business after an onsite caravan had been threatened with removal.

Paul and Alison Johnson, who own Bowbridge Alpacas near Peat Inn, will be allowed to keep the static home at Bowbridge Farm following the renewal of planning permission.

However, the decision to let it stay only came after a 9-2 vote.

Consent for the caravan given back in 2015 was only to be for two years, while councillors also heard there were concerns the site is being used as a visitor centre, which was not in line with the previous permission.

Councillor Bill Porteous even moved to refuse the application to renew consent, suggesting its presence was contributing to uncertainty about future development at the site.

The previous application was approved on the basis the caravan would allow for a continuous on-site presence to support a new rural agricultural business and for animal welfare purposes.

However, it was made clear the use of any part of the site as a visitor centre would require full planning permission.

On this occasion, planners recommended approval, suggesting the siting of the caravan would allow a presence on-site to provide care for the alpacas.

Committee members also heard planning permission for a house on site had been applied for, although concerns had been raised with that proposal, and it is likely to be resubmitted at a later date.

The application to keep the caravan on site attracted 47 letters of support, while seven separate letters of objection were received.