Clayton Caravan Park in north east Fife has received planning permission to add 13 new static holiday caravan pitches with decking. The additional units will be located on land within the park previously used as a grassy football pitch without play equipment.
The decision was made by the North East Planning Committee, which heard that the site forms part of the wider holiday park and is not a designated recreational space.
Although the land is classified as prime agricultural land, it has not been used for farming for many years and has instead functioned as an outdoor amenity area for guests.
Currently, Clayton Caravan Park accommodates 591 static holiday caravans, 50 residential park homes, 30 seasonal touring pitches, and eight hire units, totaling 679 pitches.
The proposed expansion will increase capacity in response to what the park’s owners described as strong demand for holiday homes.
According to Fife Today, some committee members questioned the loss of the open space, but planning officers confirmed that the decision on how to use the land rests with the site’s owners.
Third-party objections raised concerns about potential visual impact and whether the expansion would be in keeping with the rural character of the area.
A report presented to the committee stated that the project meets the requirements of national guidance, the Development Plan, and relevant council planning policies. The report concluded:
“The proposal is considered to be acceptable in meeting the terms of national guidance, the Development Plan, and relevant council planning guidelines and is compatible with its surrounds in terms of land use and its siting, design and finish and the proposal would not have any adverse visual impact on the amenity of the surrounding area.”
For owners and operators in the outdoor hospitality sector, the development illustrates how parks are reallocating existing spaces to meet increased visitor demand.
Repurposing underused land within established sites can be a practical strategy for boosting capacity without the need for significant expansion into new areas, provided planning considerations and community concerns are addressed.