Climping campaigners’ joy at caravan site appeal loss

The proposals had caused uproar within the village and many – including members of Climping Parish Council – opposed the development, at Ryebank Farm, in Grevatts Lane.

Applicant James Baird, who at the time was the chairman of the parish council, had argued that the site would benefit the village’s economy.

However, members of Arun District Council’s development control committee unanimously refused his planning application for the scheme, claiming it would damage Climping’s strategic gap, intended to protect the open countryside.

Mr Baird appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, but following a hearing the appeal was dismissed. The inspector claimed the caravan site would have had a ‘unacceptable’ effect on village’s rural environment.

Tremendous relief

Climping parish councillor Barry Shears, who attended the hearing, said: “It was a tremendous relief. I would like to think it was a victory for people power in the village.

“About 95 per cent of the village were against the proposals, the parish council included. Even Arun District Council’s development control committee rejected the idea. So we’re very happy the inspector overturned the appeal.”

The strategic gap was established to protect the open countryside, and is safeguarded by a covenant held by the National Trust, which prohibits the siting of a caravan park on the land.

During a public meeting at Climping Village Hall, in April last year, a National Trust representative threatened legal action, if the 20-acre site was approved.

Caravan ‘commitment’

However, Mr Baird said he remained ‘committed’ to providing a caravan facility on the site.

“I hope the positive spirit of constructive debate continues to flourish; many local people have expressed their disappointment at the appeal decision, but I say to them to hold their interest a little while longer until we finally iron out the last details,” he added.

For the full story, see this week’s Gazette.