Residents object to caravan park plan

PLANS TO build a new park home development in Withernsea has run into objections from residents.

The seven hectare site off Hull Road – currently a large, open arable field – won outline planning for 112 houses back in 2015.

The latest scheme, however, involves building 91 static caravans for general sale, and 44 for over55s, with the units used for permanent residential occupation all year round.

The proposal is recommended for deferral then approval, subject to completion of a legal agreement, at a meeting at County Hall, Beverley, on March 7.

But Withernsea town council has recommended refusal, saying the plans for the 112 houses were “more in keeping” with nearby properties, while 22 residents have also written to object.

One commented that there were already too many holiday parks “many with empty spaces” while another said incoming residents would put a strain on local services, including GPs, especially in the summer.

Another said caravan living was not low cost, adding: “The owner still has to pay ground rent and replace the caravans after 10 to 15 years.

“They depreciate in value.” Planners at East Riding Council say they allow “a choice of housing.” Their report states: “The proposed caravans would be low level and would have less visual and amenity impact than a standard housing development.”

Responding to objections they stated that the NHS was funded according to the size of population and claimed having more people in the town “could help sustain local shops and services.”

The town already has holiday parks including Withernsea Sands to the north, and Golden Sands and The Willows to the south. They are not residential, however, and planners stress the latest scheme is aimed at “permanent residents not tourists.”