Further caravans at Clayton-le-Dale site refused by council

Naomi Beard of the Le Dale Mobile Home Park in Longsight Road, Clayton-le-Dale, applied to Ribble Valley Borough Council earlier this year to have the extra caravans put on the site.

A statement submitted to the council said this followed on from a previous approved application and “proven success” on demand for static holiday caravans.

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It said: “Visitors are increasingly seeking out spacious, attractive caravans in particular locations such as the present which is local to tourism facilities.

“Previous development for 13 static caravans have proven a success, the site layout and appearance provide a pleasing impact.

“The current proposal for 11 units will generally tidy up the remaining plot of land, and with appropriate sensitive landscape, boundary hedges and tree planting to match the former.”

Despite there already being caravans on the “extensive open area”, the council refused the application to introduce more.

In a decision notice, they said the proposal would result in a “significant quantum of build form within an open countryside location.”

They added the resultant urbanising impacts would have a “detrimental impact” on the rural Ribble Valley landscape.

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The application made clear the new caravans would not be prominent in any direction looking towards the site, with very limited public views from a nearby bridleway.

It also pointed out the location of a retail building in view that completely screens the site from the public footpath running from the bridleway, therefore “the proposed the development will not harm the appearance of the countryside at this location.”

The applicant has six months to appeal the council’s decision if they wish.

To read the plans in full, visit the council’s planning website.