Appeal lodged with Government to overturn green belt caravan site refusals

A journalist visited the Camping and Caravanning Club's flagship Braithwaite Village site in the Lake District, marking the club's 125th anniversary. The club, founded in 1901, operates nearly 100 club sites and offers access to over 800 certificated locations. The review highlights the site's location, range of accommodation options including new glamping pods, and facilities.

Prospect Farm Residential Park in Lenches Road, Colne, has submitted an application for seven static caravans. The site historically operated as a holiday park but changed to residential use after permissions from Pendle Borough Council. The new proposal aims to restore its tourism role. The scheme includes five 40ft by 14ft units accessed via the existing internal road network, plus new hedgerow planting along boundaries. Based on an average occupancy of two people per caravan and 60 days of use per year, the seven units could generate approximately £85,680 in visitor spending annually, including around £48,720 spent off-site in the local economy.

A Tesla Model Y owner completed a roughly 250-mile trip to the Norfolk Broads in England while towing a Swift six-berth caravan, documenting the journey on YouTube. The vehicle required at least two charging stops, arriving at a hotel charger in King's Lynn with only 3% battery remaining. The trip highlights the reduced efficiency of EVs when towing heavy loads, emphasizing the need for careful route planning and charging management.

A journalist from Condé Nast Traveller shared her experience of a camper van trip through North Wales, renting a vehicle via Goboony. She highlighted the freedom to be spontaneous and explore areas not accessible by train. Goboony reported a 25% increase in bookings at the start of the year, indicating growing interest in flexible travel.

The A9 is currently restricted southbound at Kincraig due to an overturned caravan. Traffic is slow on approach and police are in attendance.

North Norfolk District Council has granted a Certificate of Lawful Use or Development for Castaways Holiday Park on Paston Road, allowing caravans and lodges to be occupied from January 4 to the end of February. The decision follows evidence of uninterrupted winter occupation for over 10 years, with booking records from 2016 to 2026. This comes after the council refused a separate application in March to remove the seasonal restriction permanently, citing safety concerns near Bacton Gas Terminal and potential impacts on protected wildlife.