Government inspector to make final decision on Ellesmere beauty spot holiday park plans

Developers behind plans for 20 holiday lodges on Castlefields car park next to the Mere have appealed to the Planning Inspectorate over Shropshire Council's decision to refuse planning permission.

It means both applicants Euro Source and Find Limited, trading as Oswestry Caravans, and Shropshire Council must make written representations to a Government planning inspector who will make a final ruling in the coming months.

The news comes as a blow to campaigners, who had hoped they had seen off the plans when members of Shropshire Council's north planning committee voted unanimously to refuse consent last year.

The plans had been opposed by almost 100 members of the public and by Ellesmere Town Council.

Councillor Ian Ward, mayor of Ellesmere, urged people to raise their objections with the Planning Inspectorate.

He said: "This latest development is extremely frustrating and annoying.

"However, unfortunately, the applicant had the right of appeal within six months of the decision and has exercised this.

"It appears that having spent such a large amount of money on developing the application the applicant has decided to appeal.

"As this will be determined by written submissions the further costs for the appellant will probably be minimal. However, a significant cost could be incurred by Shropshire Council in putting together its case in defending the decision.

"I very much hope that Shropshire Council will be able to successfully defend this appeal and obtain an award of costs against the applicant to deter others.

"I would urge everyone who objected to this application originally to repeat this action via the Planning Inspectorate."

People living in the area have raised concerns about the loss of the car park hitting tourism and have claimed that the planned project would create a "visual blot" on the landscape.

But the applicants say the plans have been designed to address concerns expressed by the community over the size and scale of the original development as well as its impact on the area.

Residents have taken to the town's community campaign Facebook group to register their opposition to building around the Mere.

David Saunders posted: "The area has been heaving with happy visitors today.

"I heard several in The Boathouse this morning exclaiming what a beautiful and unspoiled area we have here, which would be seriously spoilt and irreversible damaged if any development went ahead."

Hugh Chambers wrote: "Placing 20 statics in full view of the number one tourist site in north Shropshire would have a detrimental effect on the area, would not increase tourist spending and have an impact on access, wildlife, darkness and risks."