Year-round static caravan site for Merley refused

BCP Council’s planning committee had been recommended by officers to approve the change at Merley Court Touring Park

But this was opposed by councillors who raised concerns about the precedent of allowing permanent residential accommodation in the green belt.

Under existing rules, 99 static caravans can be kept on the site off the A31 from February 7 to January 7 each year.

At the end of last year its owner, Shorefield Holidays, applied for permission to allow the site to be lived on for the entire year.

In a “finely balanced decision”, council planning manager Doug Evans recommended the proposal be approved but put the application before members of the committee for a final ruling.

And at their meeting on Thursday they agreed to refuse the change.

Former Poole councillor Marion Pope said the result of approving the application would be the creation of “a shanty town on the edge of Wimborne”.

Her view was backed by the majority of the committee which voted against the recommendation and refused permission.

Cllr Ann Stribley said the change would have led to the creation of a “small village” without any facilities “by the back door”.

“I don’t see any reason whatsoever to change the current situation,” she said. “It drives a horse and cart through our green belt policies.

“Once you establish the permanent occupation of such lodges they could well become someone’s permanent home with all the difficulties that could imply.

She added: “There will be no benefit other than to the site’s owners who will get a great economic benefit, but it won’t be of any benefit to the community.”

Speaking at the meeting in response to the concerns, Mr Evans said the approved plans for the site would not allow it to be converted for use for more permanent forms of housing.

Despite the reassurance, councillors voted to refused planning permission for the changes proposed by Shorefield Holidays.