Ellesmere caravan park expansion plans backed by Shropshire Council

Owners of a north Shropshire caravan park who regularly turn visitors away because a lack of room are celebrating after winning permission to extend their business.

Robin Newnes Touring Caravan Park in Ellesmere has been granted permission by Shropshire Council officers using delegated powers to extend the number of pitches from 20 to 38.

The scheme also involves extending the wash room facilities and installing photovoltaic panels to supply electricity to the site.

A report submitted on behalf of applicants said: "Due to the high standards of the caravan park, it is proving particular popular and visitors are regularly turned away because of the limited number of pitches available.

"We are confident that the development will not adversely impact upon the rural environment, the amenity of local residents and the local highway conditions.

"This is reinforced in the knowledge that when the Caravan Club rallies have taken place at the site, involving a large number of visitors, there have been no complaints about noise, nuisance or traffic."

A report on behalf of Shropshire Council said: "The principle of the use of the site as a touring caravan site is accepted.

"The additional 18 pitches will not result in a significant impact than the existing established site.

"The scale, design and siting of the proposed washroom extension is considered to be appropriate for the use and will not be visually intrusive of affect the amenities of the neighbouring residents.

"The proposed roof mounted photovoltaic array would provide an onsite renewable energy source reducing the need for non-renewable energy."

Permanent planning permission was granted for a change of use to a 10-pitch touring caravan site in 2007 and an extension to the site including 10 further pitches was granted in January 2009.