Councillors say caravan park plans are cramped like ‘rabbit hutches’

A DECISION on an East Yorkshire caravan park described as “full of rabbit hutches” has been delayed over concerns about its design.

Councillors have asked developers to look again at the layout of the proposed site in Withernsea, which would see up to 135 lodges built on land off of Hull Road.

Objecting residents say the size of the development would put an added strain on the town’s already-stretched local services.

A range of housing types, from 91 one to three-bed units to 44 retirement lodges for over-55s formed part of the original plans.

Despite being largely supportive of the scheme, members of East Riding Council’s planning committee were not convinced by the make-up of the residential site.

Speaking at a meeting yesterday, Coun Bryan Pearson said: “We need to be careful we don’t get stuck in the mud on this one. We’ve got to look at change, but we have to look at the number rather than the quality of these caravans.

“Looking at the current plans, they’re packed in like rabbit hutches – we need to see a more imaginative design.”

Those views were echoed by the ward representative, Councillor Lyn Healing, who described the type of housing as “totally out of place” with other surrounding brick and mortar properties.

But planning agent Elaine Edwardson said there was a “misunderstanding” over the nature of the park, stressing that the static caravans would be occupied just like regular homes.

The development was deferred – subject to a Section 106 agreement – by councillors.

The plans will then return to the council at a later date.