Farmland that doubles as a buffer between Ingoldmells and Addlethorpe will open as a caravan site, equipped with a play area, a clubhouse and even a fishing lake
Members at an East Lindsey planning committee meeting have approved Skegness Water Leisure Park‘s controversial plans to convert farmland into a 45-pitch caravan park.
The decision, which has irked two local parish councils, who have strongly opposed the notion, has also been struck a chord with local residents, some of whom will be living right next door to the new caravan park despite protests.
Councilor Sid Dennis, who is in favour of the site, insisted: “This will be a quality development by a quality company – Skegness, Ingoldmells and Chapel St Leonards are all about tourism.”
At first, the committee came to a tie, with five votes both for and against the new caravan site, along with two abstentions. However, during a re-vote, chairman and councilor Neil Cooper, voted in favour of the application, which had already been suggested for approval by officers.
“It’s a fine balance between preserving the buffer and the economic benefits of tourism development,” said Cooper.
John Chappell, while representing Skegness Water Leisure Park, was adamant the the new caravan park would be “tranquil” owing to the company’s attempt to environmentally enhance the farmland with the planting of various trees and shrubs. It has also been said that as many as 20 jobs will be created during the development of the park.
Councilor Jim Swanson agreed with Chappell, stating that “a few more caravans aren’t going to harm things.”
Before the meeting on Thursday, ward representative councillor Colin Davie, though not a member of the planning committee, made his opposition to the park clear, did disapproving of bringing tourism into the open countryside west of the A52. However, he has expressed respect for Skegness Water Leisure Park.
The successful applicants have been given one condition though: no caravans will be allowed on site until 2018, which will leave time for the foliage to grow in order to block the site from the view of neighbouring residents.
How would you feel about living next door to a caravan park?
