An Isle of Wight campsite can now press ahead with improving its facilities.
County Hall today gave consent to Natalie Rowland of the Caravan and Motorhome Club to upgrade 12 grass pitches to all-weather pitches at the Southland Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite off Winford Road, south of Newchurch.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club describe its Southland site as ‘convenient for all parts of the Island’ and ‘within easy reach of some of the finest beaches’.
There are 147 pitches at the site, with 143 for touring campervans and caravans and four for tents.
Writing to the council, the over 100-year-old organisation said:
“The site is an existing touring caravan site which plays an important role in delivering tourist accommodation on the Island.
“The proposal involves a change in the type of pitches being offered, with the need for this having arisen from member feedback and the club’s desire to provide a continued high-quality offering.
“The all-weather pitches would be constructed using permeable, locally sourced loose stone to provide adequate catchment and attenuation to control runoff.
“This ensures that any runoff does not exceed the ground’s permeability characteristics. The stone chippings match the existing pitches elsewhere on site and will result in a sympathetic appearance.”
County Hall’s planning department is yet to publish a written justification for the decision.
At its March 13 meeting, Newchurch Parish Council agreed to make no objection.
Freshwater resident Ann Greatorex supported the application:
“This is necessary to maintain feasibility for the campsite. Clients expect modern facilities and this includes all weather pitches.
“Without these the campsite falls below the expectations of many visitors, who will take their custom to mainland sites instead.”
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