Locals fear planning move effect on chalet heritage

RESIDENTS in a Tyne Valley village have raised a series of objections to proposals for a caravan park. Applicant Wayne Carruthers has applied for a certificate of lawful development at Field House Camping and Caravan Park near Ovingham.

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A planning statement submitted explains that the site has been used as a caravan site for “many decades”, as well as for keeping horses. But planning permission has never been obtained.

If the application is approved, Northumberland County Council would be confirming that the existing use of the land is lawful. However, residents in the village are unhappy with the definition of a number of chalets at the site as caravans.

The applicant's report states: “The site contains a series of predominantly mobile caravans/chalets situated across different sections of the land, set within small individual plots of land.

“These comprise a mix of standard static caravans and mobile chalets that are standing on blocks and can be lifted and removed in one piece.