Decision on controversial extension to East Suffolk delayed
Park Holidays UK, the company behind the park, estimates the £10 million project will inject £1.5 million into the local economy
Last updated 9th Aug 2023
The controversial extension of a caravan park in Pakefield has been delayed for a site visit amid public concern.
The vote was reached unanimously this afternoon after nearly two hours of discussion which saw one member of the public being asked to leave.
During the meeting, despite an acceptance of the positive impact the project could have, councillors were sceptical regarding some of the finer points.
Cllr Peter Byatt, who lives down the road from the caravan park, was one of them.
He said: “I welcome the further investment into the local economy and the additional full and part-time jobs.
“This is a significant application which has the potential to improve the quality of life for a number of residents.
“However, there will be a detrimental effect on residents principally in Jubilee Road and Willow Road unless more adequate and effective mitigating measures are considered to be put in place.”
The planning permission, dating back to July of last year, follows a 24-year analysis which revealed the loss of dozens of caravans due to “rapid” coastal erosion.
Among the proposals are a new access to the park along the A12, a new entrance and clubhouse building, and the inclusion of 86 new caravans.
Park Holidays UK Ltd, the company owning the park, estimates the £10 million project will inject £1.5 million into the local economy every year.
Despite no real objections to the planning application by the authorities concerned, multiple residents voiced their opposition, particularly in relation to noise and congestion.
Despite the application referring to the noise as within an “acceptable level”, concerns were raised due to the site’s location within 10 metres of residential housing in Jubilee Road.
Patricia Batley, a resident of the area and spokesperson for the public, told the council about how “dangerous” and “congested” the A12 already is, the “considerable” noise, and urged the committee to visit the site.
She added: “Emergency services are already struggling without the increased pressure of 86 extra caravans and their occupants.
“There will be a constant turnover of total strangers on our doorstep and a possibility of increased crime levels.”
Propositions to solve these problems included the placement of an acoustic fence separating the houses from the site on the northern boundary, and even the moving of the whole site further south.
None of these proposals was agreed on.
Although no date was set for the visit, councillors discussed a possible opportunity in early September.