Harrop Leisure Ltd has submitted plans to Durham County Council seeking approval to convert the Hammer and Pincers Caravan and Camp Site into a static caravan site for holiday use year-round. The decision now rests with Durham County Council, which is expected to review the application and supporting documents in the coming weeks.
Located on Preston Lane in Preston-le-Skerne, the site currently caters to touring caravans under planning permission granted in 2017.
According to an article published by The Northern Echo, the proposal involves installing 20 static caravans to replace the existing touring caravan pitches.
According to the application, submitted through Wendy Sockett of WS Planning, the company is requesting a Lawful Development Certificate to confirm that this change complies with current planning conditions.
Supporting documents state that the number of caravan pitches will remain at 20, matching the current site layout. The applicants argue that because the site would continue to serve holiday guests exclusively, the plan adheres to the original conditions set in 2017.
Condition five of the planning permission limits the site to 20 caravans. The application emphasizes that this limit is not exceeded and that the proposed change to static caravans does not violate the restriction.
The debate also focuses on planning condition six, which prohibits caravans from being left on-site when not in use. The applicants argue that static caravans could remain if available for short-term holiday rentals, as this maintains compliance with the holiday-use requirement.
The supporting statement emphasizes that static caravans will not serve as permanent residences. This clarification is intended to address potential concerns about unauthorized long-term occupancy, a common issue in similar planning applications.
According to the application, the shift to static caravans would enhance the site’s operational efficiency while maintaining compliance with holiday-use regulations.