There was only one application up for discussion at this month’s planning committee meeting – changes to the layout and types of caravan at the Broadwel Camping & Caravan Park on the outskirts of Nottage in Porthcawl (pdf).
The proposal is for 25 static caravans to be installed at the park, resulting in the loss of 57 pitches for touring caravans. The owners say two additional full-time jobs will be created as a result.
The original proposal would’ve seen 50 static caravans installed but this was reduced following talks with planning officers. Bridgend Council’s planning department, nearby residents and councillors had expressed concerns about the loss of touring caravan pitches.
In her formal written objection to the application, Cllr. Norah Clarke (Ind, Nottage) said the proposal represents a 46% cut in the number of touring pitches at the site, which is in addition to cuts in touring pitch provision elsewhere in and around Porthcawl.
Cllr. Clarke was wary of the lack of serviced accommodation more generally and the problems caused by touring caravans being parked in and around the seafront. This point was echoed by Cllr. Roz Stirman (Ind, Llangeinor) during the committee meeting itself – which you can watch here.
Cllr. John Spanswick (Lab, Brackla) noted the growth in people using motorhomes and caravans as staycations increase.
However, Cllr. Matthew Voisey (Con, Oldcastle) argued that market forces would determine what people want in terms of caravan accommodation – though he requested confirmation that the static caravans can’t be used as a full residence, which was given.
The application was approved subject to conditions. Those conditions include – amongst other things – a proper phasing plan for the installation of static caravans, that the static caravans are only to be used for holidays and not as permanent homes, a travel plan and changes to the entrance and the inclusion of a towing turning circle.
