Camp site owners finally gain permission for home

PLANS for a permanent mobile home to improve security at a Lancing caravan park have finally been approved after numerous rejections over the past ten years.
DM151178806a.jpg The Barn campsite, Old Salts Farm Road, Lancing. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150930-002339008DM151178806a.jpg The Barn campsite, Old Salts Farm Road, Lancing. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150930-002339008
DM151178806a.jpg The Barn campsite, Old Salts Farm Road, Lancing. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-150930-002339008

Owners of The Barn Caravan Park, in Old Salts Farm Road, have been trying to gain permission for a permanent residence on site for most of their 12 years running the business.

Previously knocked back by concerns over flooding and intrusion into the strategic gap, they finally saw permission granted by Adur District Council’s planning committee on Monday.

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Owner Joby Pannell said: “It’s great. It’s going to boost the business and I can be there and supervise the site on busy weekends.

“In the past I didn’t want to let it get to full capacity as I wouldn’t be on the site to deal with any issues.

“I’m really pleased that the committee saw the potential that it will bring.”

Previous attempts to gain permission for the home were opposed by the Environment Agency because the camp site lies in a flood zone.

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But the latest application limited the occupation to peak times, meaning it would be empty during the winter months.

Despite this, the Adur Floodwatch group still registered an objection to the application, backed up by councillor Geoff Patmore, who voted against it.

He said: “It’s ludicrous. The whole area is at risk of flooding throughout the year. It has flooded before. I know it has.”

Mr Patmore claimed there was ‘no difference’ to the latest application and a previous one rejected by the committee.

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But Mr Pannell’s agent, David King, said: “There is a fundamental difference. The Environment Agency has said it is to be restricted in time and not to be used through the winter months and it is the winter months where there is a risk of flooding.

“They are very thorough and gave it very serious consideration.”

The application was supported by Sussex Police, as Mr Pannell would be able to quickly assist with any security issues on site.

Currently he lives half a mile away from the site, making it difficult for him to manage it when any issues arise.

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Councillor Carol Albury said: “I think anything that will help to make it more secure during the night, enhance the actual camp site to enable more people to come and make it better is a great enhancement for this camp site.”

The application was approved by the committee, with just two objecting.