A landlord’s plan to create a caravan park on the land of his pub in County Durham has divided its rural village, leading to the submission of 25 objections from nearby residents.
The Countryman in Bolam has submitted a planning proposal for a 30-pitch caravan and camping site with a toilet and shower block as well as a water treatment plant in a field behind the pub.
Currently, the field is an all-year Camping and Caravanning Club site, which can host five tourers, but the pub’s owner Paul Stabler wishes to expand after the site proved popular with tourists, the Northern Echo reported.
In his planning application, Mr Stabler said that the extended site would help his pub succeed while also bringing vistors, trade and employment to the village.
“The site is very popular and attracts many tourists from all over,” the local newspaper quoted him as saying.
“I do know, from working with Visit County Durham, how important tourism is and I know I have their full support with this application.”
However, local residents have objected, claiming that the proposed site is too large for the village to cope with as the population of Bolam is just 60 and there are no other services or facilities other than the pub.
Concerns have also been raised about the potential for noise from the site, with some objectors arguing that the historic nature of the village will be damaged by the site, as parking issues and the increased traffic would be detrimental to its character.
Meanwhile, five letters have been written to Durham County Council in support of Mr Stabler’s application, the newspaper reported.
Those in support of the application have argued that without it the village may lose the pub.
The plans have been recommended for refusal but a decision will be made on Thursday (December 15th) at the county council’s next planning meeting.
