Councillors oppose Ellesmere caravan park plan
Plans to turn a Shropshire car park into a tourist caravan site have been opposed by residents and councillors.
Town councillors voted against plans to build a caravan site on Castlefields car park next to the Mere in Ellesmere at a meeting held in the Town Hall on Wednesday.
More than 30 angry residents attended the meeting to voice their views on the application.
Speaking at the start of the meeting, resident Peter Kelly said: "The project under-sells the value of the site substantially. The plans say no jobs will be created so it has little worth to the people of Ellesmere."
Developers hope to build a site for 30 touring caravans and 24 static caravans as well as a building with toilet facilities and staff accommodation.
The plans were submitted to Shropshire Council by Euro Source and Find Limited, an Oswestry-based company, which specialises in selling touring and static caravans.
The plans have sparked a storm of opposition from people who hope to protect the site as an attraction for tourists.
Ellesmere town councillor Lynne Davies said: "A few years ago the area was put forward as a coach park. We were told the land was not suitable for heavy vehicles. So how can it be suitable for caravans."
Councillor Ian Ward agreed. He said: "The site would bring no employment benefits, it would be visually intrusive and would undermine the commercial viability of the town. The layout is particularly poor."
Mayor of Ellesmere councillor Alan Clarke said: "I can envisage something will happen on this site one way or another."
Councillor Geoff Elner proposed to object to the plans on numerous grounds including the negative impact on the ecology of the area, adverse impact on tourism and drainage issues.
Developers said the site would give views over the Mere and hope it would act as a boost in tourism. The plans are available to view on the Shropshire Council website.
