Caravan storage extension approved

A caravan storage site near Whittington will be extended after receiving the backing of Shropshire councillors.

But the vice chairman of the North Shropshire Planning Committee urged members of the public to report any concerns of how the site is used in the future.

It comes after parish councillors said it could lead to “commercial intensification” of the site.

Cllr Vince Hunt today said it would be the responsibility of the unitary authority’s enforcement team to answer concerns and ensure the site is used in accordance with the planning permission.

He continued: “I don’t think there is any issue with this.

“The visual impact will be negated by the proposed works, it is a bit of a scruffy site as these sort of sites always are but these plans are going to tidy it up.

“I support rural businesses as we all do where we are able to an this meets the criteria for that sort of support.

“But I do ask people to raise issues if there are any so our enforcement team can ensure it is compliant.”

The application was received from Percival Jennings who wanted to use agricultural land to extend his business storing touring caravans and motorhomes to accommodate 84 units.

He also had permission in place to site five caravans for overnight stays.

But the extension received objections from residents who voiced concerns over the proximity of the site to their homes and the visual and noise impacts it could have.

Meanwhile parish councillors warned of it “becoming a commercial business”.

Members were told that two parish councillors who attended a site visit had decided not to attend the meeting as their objections were not material reasons.

Cllr Hunt added: “In effect any objections they had are not rooted in planning policy which is what we are expected to follow.”

Members voted unanimously in favour of the extension.