Plans for extra plots at Colne caravan park are refused

Concerns leading to its refusal included the loss of local views and wildlife, the overlooking of neighbours, overdevelopment of the site, flooding risk and traffic concerns.

The applicant, Prospect Farm Caravan Site on Lenches Road, Colne, had wanted planning permission for an extra five static park homes on the site, which would have taken the number to around 30.

It had said the plans would provide new homes on brownfield land, the site is blocked from view by existing foliage, and "significant investment" has been made into improving the residential park by its owners.

The plan was discussed at Pendle Council’s Colne area committee this month, and a refusal notice was issued in more recent days. 

Pendle planning officers had recommended the plan be refused, and some objections had come from the public.

A statement supporting the plan said: “Prospect Farm is a residential caravan site on the south side of Colne.

"The site’s topography and existing mature boundary planting mean the site and the existing caravans are not widely visible from outside.

“Since purchasing the site, the owners have invested significantly to upgrade the park’s aesthetics and facilities.

"Being located less than 60 metres from Colne’s settlement boundary, with continuous footways and street lighting, the park has excellent connectivity.

"The extra units will be located within the lawful park boundary and will not require the change of use or alteration of any land within the wider countryside.

“A modest increase in residential dwellings, contained in a previously developed site, combined with the public benefits of the scheme, would outweigh the limited concerns regarding development outside the out-of-date settlement boundary.

“The proposal would not harm the character of the open countryside. In this case, it would make more efficient use of a finite brownfield resource, supporting the delivery of housing on a sustainable site outside but close to Colne’s settlement boundary and would make a positive contribution to the five-year supply of housing land.”

However, giving reasons for refusal,  Pendle Council said increasing the extent of the development, the position on elevated ground, and lighting at night would have an unacceptable impact on the landscape and visual amenity of the area, including significant long-range views.

Also it would result in the loss of trees and impact the ecology and biodiversity of the site and neighbouring land. The applicant had failed to demonstrate that the impacts would be acceptably mitigated.

The council also said the plan conflicted with the Colne Neighbourhood Development Plan.

The applicant has the opportunity to appeal the decision.