The planning committee of Thanet District Council rejected an application for an expansion of Preston Park caravan site in Manston. The proposal, put forward by Kent Leisure Parks Ltd, sought to add 110 caravans to the existing site, which currently houses 202 static.
This is not the first time Preston Park has sought expansion. In 2002, a planning application for an extension to accommodate 64 static caravans was initially refused but later approved on appeal in 2003.
Councilor Mike Garner explained the loss of agricultural land and potential harm to the countryside that would result from the expansion.
“The main issue for me is this application would result in a significant loss of agricultural land and significant harm to the countryside. For us to consider approving this there would need to be demonstrably significant benefits to justify us doing that, ” Garner said, as reported by The Isle of Thanet News on July 22.
The expansion plan included provisions for associated parking, bin stores, hardscaping, and landscaping on adjacent agricultural land. However, the committee’s decision went against the recommendation of council officers, who had advised approval of the scheme. The concerns cited by councilors centered on the potential impact on the countryside and the loss of Grade 2 agricultural land.
During the planning committee meeting, various stakeholders presented their views on the proposed expansion. John Elvidge, a planning consultant representing the applicants, argued that the development would not affect the countryside or road safety. Instead, he emphasized the potential economic benefits through increased tourism business.
However, local resident Graham Elliot voiced opposition to the plan, highlighting that the proposed 54% increase in caravan numbers would lead to a corresponding rise in vehicle traffic and parking needs.
He also expressed concern about the loss of green space in the village, drawing attention to the ongoing development of approximately 1,000 properties in and around Manston.
The chairman of Manston Parish Council, Councilor Guy Wilson, also spoke against the expansion, stating that the park already operates a successful business with good income, questioning the necessity for further growth.
The decision to reject the expansion plan also took into account the fact that the proposed site is not listed for development in Thanet’s Local Plan. Members of the planning committee raised questions about the nature of the caravan site’s use, given that it operates year-round.
Iain Livingstone, the planning boss, acknowledged that while measures are in place to ensure the site is not used as a primary address, enforcing these rules would “require checking and managing and the resources to do that.”
The situation of the proposed caravan site expansion underscores the importance of consultation with local residents to address community concerns and ensure development plans do not negatively impact the area. Engaging with the community early in the planning process can help identify potential issues and address them proactively, ensuring smoother approval and reducing the likelihood of opposition.