by Chris Malone
The Caravan Club has withdrawn its proposal to build a new £2 million park in Ardleigh, Colchester.
According to the Daily Gazette, the organisation gave no reason for its decision, but locals are delighted after campaigning to stop the 96-pitch site being set up on 14 acres of farmland near Wick Lane.
More than 100 letters of objection had been sent to Tendring Council, the Environment Agency, Essex and Suffolk Water and Essex County Council.
Local woman Jill Hamblin was opposed to the development and said that she was “very pleased” at the Caravan Club’s decision.
“Perhaps they have come to realise they face a fight, not just from local people, but major organisations,” she said.
“I think the objections from highways and water board probably delivered the final blow.”
The Caravan Club had suggested that the site would benefit the local economy to the tune of £750,000 per year.
Spokeswoman Nikki Nichols explained that the Club still believes that its proposals contained “all the high-quality hallmarks for which it is renowned and [offered] substantial benefits for the local community”.
Meanwhile, the Echo has reported that residents in a caravan park near Southend are to be charged council tax.
