Row over impact of Ellesmere caravan park plan

Only the top of the proposed static and touring caravan park would be visible from Ellesmere Castle, according to historic buildings consultants Richard K Morriss & Associates.

But the idea that the castle would not be affected by the caravan park on Castlefields has been dismissed by campaigners. They believe it would have a "damaging" effect on views of the area from the castle.

The castle is thought to have been established by Roger de Montgomery, first earl of Shrewsbury, soon after the Norman conquest and was similar to a typical motte-and-bailey castle. Applicants want to turn the site, currently used as a car park, into a park for 30 touring caravans and 24 static caravans as well as a building with toilet facilities and staff accommodation.

A report by the consultants states: "It is possible to see the higher parts of the site from the motte and the bailey of the castle but the views are filtered by trees and the visual impact of caravans would be slight.

"It is considered that any visual or spatial impact of the proposals would not be enough to cause any harm to the character, setting or significance of the scheduled ancient monument."

But Ellesmere resident Cathy Andrew, who began a No to Castlefields Caravan Park campaign, said: "I totally disagree with it not having an impact.

"It is very much visible from the castle mound and a lot of people use footpaths for walks to the castle.

"Anybody that went to visit the area and walked up the castle mound would see that the site would be extremely visible.

"The view that people are attracted to would be hugely impacted by the site – it has a 360 degree view from the castle and it would have a damaging effect on the view."

The plans are available to view on Shropshire Council's website.