PLANNING permission has been secured for the expansion of a holiday caravan site near Launceston.

Proposals for the expansion of the existing site for the siting of 41 additional holiday caravans at Chelsfield Farm Holiday Park, Boyton had been submitted by its owners, Mr Alan Birchall and Mrs Marianne Burchall.

Perhaps unusually for a planning application, their proposals had been called into be decided on by the Cornwall Council east area planning committee due to both the parish council and the Cornwall Council member for the area, Adam Paynter (Independent, Launceston North and North Petherwin) being in support of the application, while the council’s planning department officers were recommending refusal.

Among the reasons for recommending refusal, the council’s planning officer for the application said that it was in a remote location with little access to public services other than a private car, it would have a negative impact on the character and appearance of the rural area and its historic environment and added there were issues in their view with highway safety from the increased traffic and a lack of amenities in the area.

The officer concluded: “It is concluded the material considerations outlined above do not outweigh the proposal’s conflict with the development plan. The application is recommended for refusal.

“All other matters raised have been taken into account, including the support of Boyton Parish Council and the Electoral Division Member, but none are of such significance as to outweigh the considerations that have led to an Officer recommendation of refusal.”

While Cllr Paynter was unable to make the meeting, a short statement was read on his behalf where he advocated for the approval of planning permission.

It was argued by those in favour that the proposals would bring significant benefits to the area around the development. Firstly, it was stated that the on-site shop, stocking a range of majority local produce was well used locally on and off site and thus provided an amenity to both those who would use the extended campsite if approved, but also continue to be able to sustainably serve the local community.

The owners stated that 20 local staff plus subcontractors are currently employed at the site and since taking over the site in 2012, they had been ‘wholly welcomed’ by the community that they have become to love wholeheartedly, and offer their facilities to support local groups and charities.

Some of the councillors present at the debate said that they felt it had been proven that the proposals would be a sustainable development of an existing business where the principle for development had already been shown. They added that while vehicle traffic to the site would increase, the inclusion of semi-permanent caravan style accommodation would reduce the size of the traffic on the narrow C classification roads adjacent to the site.

Cllr John Fitter said he was disappointed in the application, saying it was vague and didn’t constitute diversification of farming activities.

The committee voted by a margin of seven to two to approve the application with one abstention.