Plans for changes to West Mersea caravan site debated

Plans to change a caravan site in West Mersea are being debated today, after a councillor's strong opposition.

The proposal is to replace a touring site with static caravans.

That would mean cutting the number of pitches from 117 to 57 on Waldegraves Holiday Park.

Councillor Moore had said:

"This application wishes to replace touring caravan pitches with static caravans/homes. I oppose this because there is a shortage of touring sites on Mersea Island but far more statics and lodges than the infrastructure can happily accommodate.

"I am also concerned that the presence of statics will turn that grassy area into a ‘brown field’ site thereby losing it as a green open space."

Colchester Borough Council will look at concerns, but approval is expected.

A planning report says:

"To summarise, the use of the wider site for holiday accommodation is long established and the proposed use of the site is considered consistent with the site’s wider use and in accord with adopted policy."

Planners argue there will be very little impact on the local area, including wildlife.

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• west mersea
• planning
• colchester borough council
• caravans
• camping