To understand my response to this application it is important to understand that Woodhall Spa’s whole reason for being is essentially tourism. In its heyday as a Spa resort it attracted visitors from far and wide. Today, visitors still  seek this genteel holiday experience. The quiet charm of Woodhall Spa and its surrounding country side is unique within the district and we should carefully nurture this to benefit our community both in terms of employment and sustaining local business.

This application was controversial for a number of reasons. The closure of the Council run site in Jubilee Park did not help. However I do believe that this application would have gone ahead even if the Council run facility had remained open. I would still have supported the application as I believe Woodhall Spa can support at least one more touring caravan and camping site.

I declared a personal and prejudicial interest at the planning meeting due to being Chairman of the Friends of Jubilee Park  and did not vote , but I spoke as Ward member.

 

Transcript of my statement as Ward member to the East Lindsey Planning Committee...

"Mr Chairman, members of the planning committee….

This application has caused much concern and controversy in Woodhall Spa.

Much of this relates to the future intentions of the applicants.

There is concern, that over time this touring site will become and inland resort with an over abundance of static caravans and log cabins. Residents are concerned that the quiet and unique charm of our inland resort will be irreparably damaged by a commercial venture that does not fit in with the character of Woodhall Spa.

While I understand residents concerns, the future intentions of the applicants are not a material planning consideration.

I am also aware of concerns expressed about the effect this application will have on local businesses.  As members will be aware, the Executive decision to close Jubilee Park caravan site was met with great concern by the local business community. Logic would suggest that this application, if successful, would bring much needed income to the local economy.

While I am sympathetic to nearby caravan site operators, this application does not add to the sum total of pitches available given the closure of Jubilee Park caravan site in 2009. Also the current economic situation may well lead to more families holidaying in the UK.

Examined in isolation, this is a very impressive proposal.

The applicants have gone to considerable expense and trouble in presenting an application that is difficult to oppose in planning policy terms. 

I am pleased to see that the applicants want this to be a sustainable and eco friendly. I am also encouraged to see that visitors would be able to access local services by foot and bicycle.

Unfortunately, this application does not sit in isolation.

It’s context is the amenity of Woodhall Spa.

Committee members need to consider carefully its impact on the Conservation Area which sits alongside the application site. This visual aspect is one of the most pleasing in Woodhall Spa and careful consideration needs to be given to this issue.

I do note officer comment that the touring caravans and tents will be within wooded areas, and current open grass land will be retained with landscaping as a condition

No Environmental Impact Assessment was undertaken for this application and this is of concern.

I hope the reasons for this Planning Authority not seeking one, are robust.

Woodhall Spa Parish Council narrowly voted to object to this application. It would be helpful for this committee to be aware of the recently adopted Parish Council policy on Caravan Parks....

I quote from the preamble….

The Parish Council (PC) acknowledges that the prosperity of the community and its businesses, which we all benefit from, is reliant on the income from tourism.  The PC is therefore committed to supporting quality tourism initiatives; whilst at the same time, anxious to preserve Woodhall Spa’s ambiance and strike a balance between the needs and wishes of residents and those of visitors.

Mr Chairman, Committee Members….

In general Cllr Harness and I are in favour of applications that secure local employment and that comply with district, county and national planning policies. We are also very aware of our obligations to our electorate, especially the young who seek to live and work locally.

In reality, this site is poor quality agricultural land and while we would prefer to see this kept as open countryside for its own sake, we have to recognise that this application has much to commend it."