A Southend camping and caravan park’s plan to replace its holiday pitches with permanent-residence static caravans has been met with an angry reaction from locals.
Critics have argued that changing its licence will ruin the local tourist industry and prevent caravanners from enjoying the local area, the Southend Standard reported.
Tingdene, the owner of the East Beach Caravan Park in Shoebury, has been granted permission by the local council to press ahead with its plans, which will see it create 32 static caravan homes that can be lived in all year round.
Previously, the site was home to 35 touring caravan pitches, 15 statics and camping space.
Representing the voice of unhappy local residents, independent councillor Anne Chalk told the news provider it would spell the end of caravan holidays at the scenic seafront park.
“This decision will not leave the locals happy. Everyone I have spoken to since first hearing of the proposal has been against the idea,” she said.
Conservative councillor for Shoebury, Roger Hadley, said that the council had little choice but to grant the application as they could not afford to contest a court case.
