Penrith Town Council has objected in a letter sent to the Caravan and Motorhome Club about a proposal to establish a small caravan site on a parcel of land between East Larches and Lynwood, off Beacon Edge.
The application, submitted to the Caravan and Motorhome Club, seeks to create a Certified Location, a type of small caravan and camping site permitted under specific exemptions from full planning requirements from the local planning authority that accommodate up to 5 caravans or motorhomes and 10 tents at a time.
Certified Locations are part of a national scheme operated the Caravan and Motorhome Club and other caravan and camping organisations, under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960. These sites are typically low-impact and intended for use exclusively by Club members. Planning permission is not usually required for Certified Locations, provided certain conditions are met including a maximum number of 5 caravans at a time and no one can camp for more than 28 days on a site.
In a strongly worded letter to the Club, the Town Council expressed its disappointment that it was not consulted or informed directly about the application. “It is disappointing that the Caravan Club do not, as a matter of courtesy, write directly to the Parish or Town Council in whose area the application lies,” said Councillor Doug Lawson, Chair of Penrith Town Council and Mayor of Penrith.
The Town Council’s objection included that the proposed site lies along Beacon Edge, with its steep and narrow residential road used by pedestrians and cyclists, including those on the popular C2C route. The Town Council said in its objection letter that it fears towing caravans up the gradient and turning into the site would present safety risks and inconvenience local residents.
“The introduction of transient holidaymakers into what is currently a quiet, residential area may diminish the quality of life for those living nearby, particularly in terms of noise, increased traffic, and reduced privacy.”
“The land in question is part of a scenic green corridor leading into Penrith from Beacon Hill.” The Council noted in its letter that red squirrels and deer have been seen on the site.”
The site has recently had a string of refused planning applications, including proposals for single residential dwellings and a separate application to build five residential dwellings which were refused by Westmorland and Furness Council.
While Certified Locations typically fall under an exempted status, Penrith Town Council is urging the Caravan and Motorhome Club to reconsider the proposal.
“The character of this part of Penrith is important to its identity,” Councillor Lawson added. “This proposal risks eroding that character, compromising safety, and disturbing both residents and the wildlife that call this area home.”
The land is certificated annually by Caravan and Motorhome Club for the exclusive use of Club members. To become a Certified Location, the Caravan and Motorhome require sites to have a fresh drinking water tap, a sealed chemical disposal tank, a rinsing water tap and dry waste disposal.
At the time of writing, no final decision has been announced by the Caravan and Motorhome Club on the Beacon Edge site.
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