UK councils approve and reject caravan park applications amid community debate

Amanda Worne, chair of Yapton Parish Council in West Sussex, confronted a group of Travellers who set up a caravan encampment on Burndell Recreation Ground in Yapton. She issued a verbal notice of eviction; the Travellers agreed to leave by July 28, when the car park is due to close for drainage work. If they fail to comply, a written notice will be issued by West Sussex County Council.

Fylde Council has approved plans to reconfigure Hurst Lea Caravan Park in Little Eccleston and change the use of adjoining land to allow 42 static holiday caravans. Little Eccleston with Larbreck Parish Council objected, noting the village already has 1,107 caravans and warning of traffic and parking issues. Lancashire County Council's highways department found no significant impact on road safety, and planning officers said the site is enclosed by existing parks and housing, limiting its visibility. Permission was granted on July 10 with conditions including a ban on permanent residence and biodiversity measures.

Felix Doran of Tydd St Mary applied to place six static caravans in his back garden for his children and grandchildren. Neighbours gathered over 80 signatures against the proposal, citing incompatibility with the rural lane and highway safety concerns. South Holland District Council's decision is due on August 6.

Felix Doran, who runs Baseline Paving on Middle Road in Tydd St Mary, has applied to change the use of his land to place six static caravans for traveller families. The caravans will house traveller children on both temporary and permanent bases. The plans have received positive community feedback on social media, with a decision expected by August 6.

H W Land Holdings has submitted a new application to Westmorland and Furness Council for a 100-pitch caravan park on agricultural land near Whitbarrow Farm, Penrith. The previous proposal, submitted in 2024, was withdrawn after residents raised concerns about traffic and congestion on narrow roads. The new layout, according to the company, addresses public comments and includes access via an existing entrance with good visibility. Public consultation runs until 18 July.

H W Land Holdings has applied to Westmorland and Furness Council to convert agricultural land at Whitbarrow Farm, near Penrith, into a 100-caravan holiday park. Previous plans for the same 10-hectare site were withdrawn in late 2025 after residents raised concerns about traffic and congestion on narrow roads. The new proposal features a revised layout and access via an existing entrance with 'excellent visibility'. A public consultation runs until 18 July.

A Traveller family in Kent has said they face homelessness after the Planning Inspectorate dismissed their appeal against a refusal to station eight mobile homes on a plot in White Post Lane. The council rejected the application in December, citing harm to the green belt and highway safety risks, a decision upheld by the government agency. The family, including children and elderly members, bought the 75,000 sq ft plot last year but now face eviction under a court injunction. The council acknowledged a shortfall in Traveller sites but stated it must follow planning law.

Plans to station six caravans for Travellers on land at Beech Farm, Roundstreet Common, in Wisborough Green have been recommended for approval. The proposal includes six static caravans, utility buildings, and package treatment plants. Previously refused in August last year due to concerns about isolated location and water neutrality, an amended design has been submitted. Planning officers cited the council's lack of suitable Gypsy and Traveller pitches, with a shortfall of 13 pitches against a five-year target, as outweighing moderate harm to the landscape. A final decision is scheduled for June 10.