Proposals to introduce 15 static caravans at Garton Sundrum Caravan Park in South Ayrshire have been approved, despite objections raised by local representatives concerned about traffic conditions on the A70.
South Ayrshire Council granted planning permission earlier this month, confirming that the development met policy requirements and did not create issues significant enough to justify refusal.
The application, submitted earlier this year, sought to replace 12 of the site’s existing touring pitches with static caravans intended for private holiday use.
The caravan park, located adjacent to the A70 between Ayr and Cumnock, currently operates 25 touring caravan pitches under a licence issued by the council’s Environmental Health Department. The park’s facilities include a toilet and shower block positioned at the northern end of the site.
In its submission, the applicant described the proposal as an evolution of the existing site. “Garton Sundrum Caravan Park is an established caravan park that has been in existence for many years,” the application stated.
It added that the introduction of static caravans was “not a new development, simply a diversification in the type of holiday accommodation which is available on the site,” noting that the shift could “improve the standard and appearance of the accommodation, and potentially benefit the businesses in the surrounding area as a consequence of encouraging longer or more frequent stays by the owners of the holiday vans.”
When approving the plans, council officers reported that the siting of additional caravans “will not detract from the character or appearance of the surrounding area, raise significant issues relating to traffic, transport, road safety or parking, or introduce any adverse amenity issues.”
Officials also stated that “the points raised in the letters of objection have been fully considered, but do not raise any issues that would merit a recommendation of refusal.” The council concluded that “there are no policy objections, and it is considered that, on balance, the application should be recommended for approval, subject to conditions.”
According to the Ayr Advertiser, Coylton Community Council expressed frustration following the decision, reiterating long-standing concerns about road safety along the A70.
A spokesperson said, “We’re extremely disappointed that our repeated concerns about the A70 have once again been brushed aside. The A70 is busy, fast, and dangerous — not just at rush hour, but throughout the day.”
They added that their group is “not opposed to new developments, including caravan sites,” but remains focused on the need for “real action on A70 safety before it’s too late.”
For outdoor hospitality operators, the decision highlights the ongoing balance between meeting accommodation demand and addressing local infrastructure concerns.
The shift from touring to static caravans aligns with broader industry trends toward longer-stay, repeat-visitation models, but the discussion surrounding road safety and community impact may be instructive for other sites considering similar diversification.