by Ed Davies
A pub is seeking permission to create a caravan and camping park in a field next to its premises in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham
The Blacksmiths Arms, has submitted an application to Durham County Council for the 20-pitch caravan site with added space for ten tent pitches.
In the proposal documents, the applicants set out their plan for the caravan site to be open all year round with the pub’s opening times to be changed from its current hours of 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 11pm from Tuesday to Friday to 11am to 11pm seven days a week.
The property is owned and will be developed by husband and wife team Peter and Rachel Walton while the company which operates The Blacksmiths Arms business is owned by the pair and Mrs Walton’s brother Neil Skinner.
The team took on the business in February this year when they told The Northern Echo of their hopes to open the caravan park and host festivals and tipi weddings.
In their application the applicants cite a number of reasons why they believe the location is ideal for a caravan site.
These include its proximity to the A1, the attractive views of the surrounding countryside, and no nearby neighbouring houses with occupants likely to experience nuisance or noise pollution.
It is also stated that Mr and Mrs Walton have been running another caravan site for three years and are “camper’s needs and requirements”.
Other factors stated are possibilities of expanding the business in the future and providing more choice and opportunities for tourists to stay in the area.
