Villagers fight latest caravans plan at Yorkshire beauty spot

Flower of May is applying to nearly double the number of caravans on its site on Lighthouse Road, Flamborough, by adding another 201 pitches.

Earlier this year the operator withdrew plans for 300 caravans on land close to the two historic lighthouses in a move which sparked nearly 400 objections.

It now wants to develop land west of Flatmere plantation for the majority of the caravans, which agents for the developer claim would be “visually less prominent”.

However objectors, including owners of caravans on the site, are concerned extra noise and activity will destroy a safe haven for wildlife visiting the 180-year-old plantation, including migrating birds and deer.

More widely, there is concern that Flamborough has already reached saturation point “where caravans are destroying the very character of the Heritage Coast”.

Earlier this month East Riding councillor Mike Heslop-Mullens called for a limit on further expansion, saying it was not “necessarily the case” that holiday parks brought money into the area, claiming most holidaymakers stay and shop on the sites rather than in the village.

In their submission, agents say the site, which currently has 228 static caravans, already supports 74 jobs and the extension could add another 55.

They say there is already an existing consent for 61 of the 201 extra caravans and also claim creating a wetland nature reserve as part of the plans will increase biodiversity.

However Andrew Bardon, from Flamborough Residents Association, said that was “just mitigation for sticking more caravans on” adding: “The natural habitat already exists.”

He added: “This time there must be approaching 150 objections. The parish council is vehement that it wants no further expansion of caravan sites.

"I think the community of Flamborough is speaking loudly.

“In the last 10 years most of the expansion of tourism beds has been on Flamborough Head. It is time for East Riding Council to follow the strategy of developing capacity in other areas of the East Riding.”

Chairman of the Flamborough Residents Association, Paul Scholey added: “We are not anti-holiday parks, but enough is enough. The reason why people come to Flamborough is because of the location, the sea, the walks, the beauty.

“They are expanding onto the Heritage Coast and that’s the thing we need to protect – once it has gone it has gone forever.”