A caravan park in Northumberland has been given the all-clear to extend its opening period to 11 months per year, despite concern from parish councillors.
The Honeysuckle Cottage Caravan Park in Widdrington had applied to lengthen its season, but councillors argued that the changes were to accommodate nearby workers rather than holidaymakers.
Despite the objections from Widdrington Paris Council, Northumberland County Council’s North Area Planning Committee gave their unanimous approval for the changes, the Morpeth Herald reported.
The caravan park will now open from January to November
During the planning meeting, parish councillor James Grant said that he found it unlikely anyone would wish to go on holiday in a caravan during the winter months.
Raising his concerns that the park would instead by used by workers, he said: “There’s already a specific park which is only for workers within a few hundred yards of Honeysuckle Caravan Park,” the newspaper quoted.
The park did not have any conditions set upon it which prevented it from having its original eight-month season limited exclusively to holidaymakers, however.
Vivienne Robinson, a planning officer at the County Council, explained that 11-month opening periods follow national guidelines which are designed to prevent caravans becoming permanent homes.
Commenting on this, Councillor Trevor Thorne said: “I’m aware of many caravan operators in Northumberland that have this 11-month rule so that they don’t become permanent dwellings as they have to vacate for one month,” the Herald quoted.
“This brings Honeysuckle Cottage Caravan Park up to speed with other caravan parks in Northumberland.”
One councillor, meanwhile, objected to the proposals, claiming that the park had previously ignored the opening restrictions and to allow it to extend its season would be rewarding it for flouting the rules.
Honeysuckle Cottage Caravan Park on Old Felton Lane in Widdrington is a 15 pitch park which has hot shower facilities as well as a children’s playground.
