PLANS to develop a new lodge caravan park in Porthcawl have been approved by Bridgend council.
The development, proposed by Nottage Leisure Parks Ltd, could see up to 37 semi-permanent lodges, an office and service building developed on the land of an existing caravan site at Rooklands Leisure Park, which is currently open to campers and camper vans.
The site which is located on a small, roughly triangular parcel of land off the A4229 Pyle Road in Nottage, consists of a 1.6-hectare field, and is currently split into two parts for the campsite and pasture land.
The proposals handed in to the authority suggest that once completed, the lodges would be located around the perimeter of the site, along with an access road and additional lodges located at the centre of the site.
The report read: “The application proposes 37 static caravan/lodges, office and services building.
“A central access into the site is proposed and the existing access will be stopped up for vehicles and will only permit pedestrians.
“The proposals indicate the lodges are to be located around the perimeter of the site with a 4.25m width road providing direct access to each lodge.”
Opposition to the plans was also heard as some people felt the development could cause a risk to pedestrian safety if they tried crossing the “extremely busy A4229” near the campsite while heading to Nottage village.
Other concerns focused on the loss of camping pitches, as well as pitches for touring caravans and motor homes.
Officers responded by saying signs and guidance would be given to pedestrians to use the existing route on the footway, adding that on balance, the loss of the small caravan site would not warrant a reason for refusal of the application.
They also added that the plans were in line with the borough’s local development plan, which showed the development was viable and needed in the area, bringing quality year-round tourist accommodation which complied with policy.
The plans were later approved unanimously by council members at the Bridgend Council planning meeting held on September 19, with amendments that would see more signs to dissuade people crossing at the busy part of the road, as well as additional lighting at the site.
