by Joe Jeffrey
Concerns raised over impact on wildlife following plans for 180 pitch caravan and camping site in Breckland
Plans to introduce a 180-pitch caravan and camping site at a Suffolk country park have raised cause for concern amongst conservationists at Suffolk Wildlife Trust.
The introduction of the park, due to be nestled in-between the Breckland Special Protection Area (SPA) and Breckland Forest Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), has been brought into question by conservation planner for Suffolk Wildlife Trust, James Meyer, who described the detrimental effect the introduction of the park would have on wildlife.
“The campsite would be close to a part of the (Lackford Lakes) SSSI which is currently relatively undisturbed and therefore increased levels of disturbance would have the potential to significantly impact on the designated features,” Meyer said.
Natural England and horticultural charity, Perennial – owners of nearby Fullers Mill Garden – have since weighed in on plans to introduce the park, disputing the council’s initial ecological appraisal of the area, which stated the park ‘would not have a significant effect on Breckland SPA.’
Bernard Tickner, responsible for creating Fullers Mill Garden, said: “Should the proposed caravan site take place I fear for this unusual collection of wildlife. I fear the noise generated by it will drive away the occupants of this peaceful community.”
A spokesperson for St Edmundsbury Borough Council, responsible for introducing plans for the park, said it would be reviewing concerns raised to establish whether an Environmental Impact Assessment would be required. No date has been set for a decision to be made on plans proposed.
