Caravan park plan on ‘stunningly beautiful’ Yorkshire coast refused by councillors

Nine hardstanding pitches would have been created at Barns Farm, in Saltburn Road, near Brotton, Cleveland, along with new vehicle access and ten car parking spaces.

Officers at Redcar and Cleveland Council deemed the development would fundamentally change the landscape of the site and the surrounding area and would be contrary to various planning policies. Highway safety concerns were also raised. Some neighbours also objected in submissions made to the council earlier this year.

Anne and Robert Roberts, who own five acres of land adjacent to the site in question, said it was a “peaceful haven” and raised concern about potential noise and litter. They warned that there could be a precedent set for similar developments if planning permission was granted.

Brotton resident David Kidd claimed caravans could disturb birds and deer, highlighting the proximity to Saltburn Gill, a woodland nature reserve managed by the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust.

Another farm owner in the area Caroline Marshall said in her written submission: “This is a stunningly beautiful part of the Cleveland Heritage Coast and the openness and unrestricted views are what give it its quality and distinctiveness. I cannot see how having a caravan site of any description at this location is going to enhance or improve the area.”

A report acknowledged it would only be a “small scale” leisure development and it could also generate an economic benefit for the area, but it said submitted designs did not address the sensitive nature of the location with the planned layout stretching into open fields to the north of a cluster of existing farm buildings.

Amended plans had been provided detailing additional planting on the boundaries of the site, but it was not considered these would adequately screen any caravans from public vantage points.

Advice from development engineers employed by the council also said that while visibility splays could be provided in both directions at the entrance to the site, there may not be sufficient space for two vehicles with caravans to pass each other at the same time.

Meanwhile, the Ramblers Association highlighted a concern over the access road leading to the site from Saltburn Road which was a public right of way and could be compromised due to an increase in traffic.