The Berries Caravan and Camping site, located between Antrobus and Appleton Thorn, has submitted a planning application to Cheshire West and Chester Council for a single residential pitch designed to accommodate travellers. The application includes plans for an accompanying building, bin store, and hardstanding.
The site already operates a caravan area with five pitches and a campsite with more than a dozen pitches. While these existing pitches do not have formal planning permission, the operators have the right to use the land under a certificate of exemption, valid from June 2025 to June 2026.
The application states that the new pitch “meets a recognized need for facilities in the area to accommodate a Gypsy/Traveller lifestyle.” The site is located in the green belt; however, the application notes it could be considered a “grey belt” due to previous development on the land.
According to the Northwich & Winsford Guardian, adjacent to the site is an equestrian yard with stables and a tack room, which was reviewed by the council two years ago. The application explains:
“Any land that is judged to be previously developed land and/or not judged to contribute to any of the green belt purposes can be identified as grey belt unless the policies provide a strong reason for refusing or restricting development. It is clear the site comprises of previously developed land and does not contribute to any of the green belt purposes.”
The Berries Caravan and Camping site is open to all visitors, not exclusively to those with a Traveller lifestyle. The planning process includes a public consultation on the Cheshire West and Chester Council planning portal, and a decision is expected at a later date.
For industry professionals, this case highlights considerations when expanding accommodation on green belt land, including navigating certificates of exemption, understanding classifications such as grey belt, and balancing existing development with local planning policy.
Owners looking to diversify their sites can take note of the procedural and regulatory framework applied in this instance.For more information about The Berries Caravan and Camping, visit pitchup.com.