January 18, 2019 11.06 am This story is over 62 months old

Caravan site told to deal with traffic before expanding

Concerns about traffic were also raised by the town council
Poplar Farm in Sutton on Sea. Photo: Google.

A popular Sutton on Sea caravan site has been told it must tackle potential traffic issues if it wants to expand.

Poplars Farm, on Crabtree Lane, has asked ELDC if it could change the use of its land to provide 16 touring caravans, eight extra static caravans (four already exist) and 10 tents.

The site will also allow the owners to build showers, toilets, and pot washing facilities.

However, Lincolnshire County Council had asked for the tourism site, which was described as having steadily grown over the past 15 years, to provide two passing places along the road it’s based on.

Concerns about traffic had also been raised by Mablethorpe Town Council.

How the site might be laid out.

Andrew Clover, from Lincs Design Consultancy, on behalf of the applicant described the venue as a “long-established and popular destination” and argued the changes weren’t necessary because they believed traffic would not increase because of the changes.

He said Poplars Farm already held a variety of events including weddings, art groups and yoga.

“It is important to consider theses existing facilities… as it not only justifies the proposal in terms of expanding an existing business but also in terms of access.

He admitted traffic could increase but added that the site would no longer be hosting rallies on the fields it wanted to change and would be affected by the holiday seasons.

ELDC’s planning committee.

“This is in part, the reason we feel the two passing places requested are unreasonable,” he said, adding there were five other sections of the road which could be used as passing places.

However, he added that if councillors felt the changes were needed his client would comply.

Members seized the opportunity and agreed for the condition to be added to the plans and delegates for officers to deal with.

Councillor Susan Blackburn seconded the proposal, but said access to the sites on the road are the only reason you would go down there.

“You’d be expecting to see a caravan down there,” she said.

Councillor Terry Aldridge said passing places were “absolutely essential”.

“If you get two vehicles down there in wet weather, I can see one ending up in the dyke,” he said.

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