Concerns over plans for caravan park on West Grinstead woodland

Oakmount Parks is currently seeking planning consent from Horsham District Council for a change of use of the woodland on land by The Orchard restaurant in Cowfold Road.

The company wants to site 11 lodge/caravan pitches on the woodland.

But opposition is being put forward by local residents who are concerned about the loss of trees, destruction of wildlife habitats and an increase in light, noise and traffic pollution.

There are also concerns that the caravan park would have a detrimental effect on the nearby Downs Link.

And another resident said: “The development of holiday homes would upset the unique rural character of the woods.”

There are also fears of increased traffic in the area. And, residents point out, there is already a caravan park at nearby New Barn Nurseries.

A previous application to site 23 caravan pitches in the area was turned down by the council in 2018.

Another proposal to build a crematorium on the site was also rejected.