UK caravan and holiday park plans spark local disputes across England

The owner of Symonds Yat Caravan Park, featured in Netflix's Sex Education, has applied to extend its operating season to 11 months per year. The site, formerly known as Sterrett’s Caravan Park, has 82 static caravans, 8 touring pitches, and an additional touring area. The application proposes shifting from 10 to 11 months of operation, from February 7 to January 7, covering the Christmas and New Year period. Comments on application P260480/F can be submitted via Herefordshire Council's planning portal until May 22.

The owners of the Black Horse Inn in Kirkby Fleetham have submitted a planning application for an £8m holiday park. The scheme includes 24 holiday lodges, conversion of existing buildings into 11 holiday lets, a new two-storey building for reception, shop, spa and staff accommodation, and a motorhome parking area. Local opinion is split: 38 objections have been received against 19 submissions in support. Objectors cite scale incompatibility, noise and light pollution, flood risk, and wildlife habitat loss. Supporters highlight economic benefits and support for the pub.

The owners of the Black Horse Inn in Kirkby Fleetham have submitted a planning application for an £8m holiday park. The scheme includes 24 holiday lodges, conversion of existing buildings into 11 holiday lets, a motorhome parking area, two padel courts, and two ponds. North Yorkshire Council has received 38 objections and 19 submissions in support.

The owners of the Black Horse Inn in Kirkby Fleetham have submitted a planning application for a holiday park behind the pub. The scheme includes 24 holiday lodges, conversion of existing buildings into 11 holiday lets, a new two-storey building for reception, shop, spa and staff accommodation, and motorhome parking. Local residents are split: supporters cite economic benefits and pub preservation, while objectors raise concerns about noise, light pollution, flood risk, and loss of wildlife habitat.

Bristol City Council has approved up to 60 temporary caravan pitches at the former Whitchurch Sport Centre in South Bristol. The site, closed in 2021 and demolished in 2024, will serve as a temporary solution for caravans from the Downs. Pitches are divided into three plots with water, bin storage, and toilets. Around 180 residents objected, citing fears of crime, noise, and pollution, and questioning who will pay for the project.

Bristol City Council approved 60 temporary caravan pitches at the former Whitchurch Sport Centre, closed in 2021 and demolished in 2024. The pitches are divided into three plots with water, bin storage and toilets. Around 180 residents objected, citing concerns over crime, noise and pollution. The project is part of the council's plan to create 250 pitches, but remains insufficient for all caravans on the Downs.

Councillor Lee Waters (Ash Ind) has objected to two planning applications to change the residential curtilage on Nottingham Road into a caravan site with nine mobile homes and a site manager's office. He noted the site is within the green belt and over 50 resident objections have been submitted. Nottingham Council's highways department raised concerns about the current vehicular access being inadequate for two-way traffic and recommended widening.

Bristol City Council approved up to 60 temporary caravan pitches on the site of the former Whitchurch Sport Centre. Local residents raised concerns about air pollution from diesel generators and solid fuel heaters that may be used on site. The project will be rolled out in three phases, with impact assessments at each stage. This is part of the council’s plan to create 250 pitches, but only 158 have been approved so far, and the site is temporary with a three-year planning permission.

Bristol City Council approved a temporary 'meanwhile site' with up to 60 caravan pitches at the former Whitchurch Sport Centre in South Bristol. Local residents raised concerns about pollution from diesel generators and solid fuel heating, along with crime and noise. The site will be opened in phases to monitor neighborhood impact, and planning permission is limited to three years. The council aims to provide alternative pitches for caravans currently on the Downs but remains short of its 250-pitch target.

City of York Council approved plans to add seven lodges and a pod to York Lakeside Lodges, expanding the existing 14-unit site. Eleven objections cited potential property devaluation, noise, traffic congestion, and harm to wildlife. The council ruled that residents' reasonable amenity would not be materially harmed.

At least 30 caravans set up an unauthorized encampment at Caversfield Park in Oxfordshire on April 21, damaging a fence. Thames Valley Police stated they are monitoring the situation and assessing its impact on the local community. The UK Ministry of Defence, which reportedly owns the land, will also comment on the incident.

A former golf centre in Latchingdon, Essex, could be transformed into a leisure park. The plans include 20 grass pitches for touring caravans or motorhomes, 20 concrete-based pitches for static caravans, and 12 holiday cabins.

A former golf course in Latchingdon, Essex, could be transformed into a leisure park. The plans include 20 touring caravan or motorhome grass pitches, 20 static caravan pitches on concrete bases, and 12 holiday cabins on the 11-acre site.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council's planning committee voted to defer an application to expand Daneswood Caravan Park in Flamborough. The proposal seeks to increase pitches from 75 to 152 and relocate a caravan storage area to the site. The deferral allows for environmental comments and completion of a legal agreement securing a £20 annual contribution per new pitch.