Council accused of "bowing to ransom" over caravan plans

The plans had been submitted to add 20 caravans to the western side of Russells Caravan Park in Quatford, in an area that has been set aside for recreational use.

The owner has planning permission to build new caravans on a prominent hillside to the eastern side of the site, which would overlook the picturesque Severn Valley.

An agreement has been reached that if the new proposals were approved a Section 106 agreement would be put in place which would protect the hillside and keep or improve it as woodland.

At a meeting of Shropshire Council's south planning committee, officers, who had recommended the plans for approval said members had to decide which potential development would be most harmful.

Plans for 30 caravans on the western side have already been dismissed by Shropshire Council, and refused at appeal, because the area is green belt land and caravan parks are not seen to be appropriate forms of development on the protected area.

But planning officer Richard Fortune said the new, reduced application may be preferrable to the development on the higher ground, which could have greater environmental impact on the Valley.

But Councillor Christian Lea, ward member for Bridgnorth East and Astley Abbotts, made representations on behalf of the residents of the neighbouring Hollins Park, a development of park homes next to the caravan site.

He said: "Members need to consider the impact of 20 caravans on the residents of Hollins Park.

"These park homes can cost £200,000 or even a quarter of a million pounds. So represent a significant investment by the residents.

"Only for them to be faced by the possibility of looking at caravans, which they do not know the condition of or what noise they will be faced with in the evening."

He said Shropshire Council was "bowing to ransom" by approving the planning application to protect the other site, without consideration to the affect of the residents of Hollins Park.

He said: "The lifestyle of the residents of Hollins Park should be protected, they are paying council tax while the residents of Russells Park are only here for holidays or short periods."

An agent for the owner of Russells Park said that the addition of the new caravans would not only create an additional income for the owners but would help other local businesses who are supported by the tourists.

Councillor Tina Woodward, ward member for Alveley, also within the Severn Valley, said the caravans are already visible during the winter months and said she would support the application to prevent the added impact on the environment.

Councillors Madge Shineton and Robert Tindall also said they would support the application if proper landscaping was done around the site.

Councillor David Turner said that he felt the site would still be well screened from people living in Hollins Park.

The plans were unanimously approved.