Plans for ‘eyesore’ caravan park extension set for refusal
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Controversial plans to extend a Birnam caravan site to accommodate 76 ‘mobile’lodges have been recommended for refusal.
Verdant Leisure 2 Limited had applied for ‘change of use’ planning permission for an extension to the existing Erigmore Leisure Park on the banks of the Tay.
At the moment there are currently 157 caravans at the site and, if approved, this figure would increase the amount of units to 233.
The scheme attracted around 60 letters of objection which included concerns over an increase in traffic, loss of quality agricultural land, the impact on wildlife and loss of amenity.
One objector said: “The size and design of the proposed development with straight rows of cheek-by-jowl chalets and caravans will blight the view not only from the Tay path but also from Birnam Hill.
“Erigmore caravan park, even though it has a high and ever-increasing density of holiday chalets, is currently fairly well screened within the wooded slopes of the original Erigmore estate.
“The proposed development in breaking out onto the flat agriculture land will radically and detrimentally alter the visibility of this establishment.”
Members of Perth and Kinross Council’s planning and placemaking committee are set to discuss the proposal at their meeting tomorrow (Wednesday).
Officials have recommended refusal of the application, described as “a significant new development which does not respect the character and appearance of the existing area”. It is also said to be contrary to a number of planning policies.
The report points out that the existing holiday park accommodates approximately 157 caravans – a mix of privately owned and holiday lets – “and it is understood the majority of the holiday lets remain within the ownership of the resort”.
It continues: “The planning application seeks to create a new expanded area to the east of the existing site which would be capable of accommodating a further 76 additional lodges, which would fall under the definition of a ‘caravans’.
It is proposed to extend the site “beyond the defined settlement boundaries” and the new caravans “would be a combination of privately owned and units for rent via the resort - over an area of approx. 4.6ha”.
The report concludes that the proposal is not in accordance with the Development Plan and there are no material reasons which justify departing from it.