The owner of a caravan park in Dalbeattie is facing overwhelming opposition from the public as he bids to extend the tourist attraction.
Gordon Hoey, who operates Dalbeattie Forest Lodges and Caravan Park, is seeking permission to install another 31 static caravan pitches at the popular holiday spot within the Solway Coast Regional Scenic Area.
Mr Hoey, who operates several other businesses under his Morecambe-based company Hoeys Leisure Limited, has submitted a formal planning application with Dumfries and Galloway Council.
However, there have been 142 objections raised to the plans, along with a petition containing 152 signatures against the proposal.
While dozens of objections have come locally from residents in Dalbeattie, Castle Douglas and Dumfries, letters have also been sent to the council from various addresses dotted all over the country including places like Edinburgh, Nottingham and Manchester.
The 1.91 hectare site being considered for development has been described as “unused rough land with a man-made pond” which was previously granted planning permission as part of a 16 person hostel development to provide accommodation for mountain bikers and walkers in 7Stanes Forest.
While there has been strong objections from the public, consulted authorities are satisfied with the plans and council planning case officer Toril Glendinning has recommended that the extension be
approved.
In his report, due to be tabled at the council’s planning committee next Wednesday, Mr Glendinning wrote: “The application seeks permission for the extension to an existing caravan park to form an additional 31 static caravan pitches with associated parking, internal access road, sewage treatment plant, landscaping, attenuation pond and associated works.
“The majority of pitches would measure approximately 12m by 6.2m, with some smaller pitches measuring approximately 12m by 4.5m.
“Indicative types of static caravans have been shown to be finished in a timber effect cladding and some units would include a raised timber decking area.
“The existing pond would be maintained with the addition of a storage pond to north-west and a SUDS basin to the very north of the application site.
“In terms of landscaping, an existing stone boundary wall and the majority of trees along the boundaries would be
retained.
“Some new areas of planting are proposed as well as mown grass areas and grass banks.”
The report confirmed the strength of opposition to the caravan park plans, and it is expected some objectors will make their feelings to councillors known when the case is heard at next week’s committee.
The report states: “A total of 146 timeous and valid representations have been received, with 142 raising objections and four submitting comments in support of the proposal.
“Eighty-three of the objections have been submitted using pro forma letters.
“A petition of 152 signatures has also been received objecting to the proposal.”
The reasons for opposing the development include concerns around the loss of natural habitat, the effects on wildlife, and the visual impact that 31 additional caravans would have on the landscape.
Objectors argue this would “detract from the enjoyment of the forest” when entering 7Stanes car park.
They also insist the location is unsuitable for expansion and is on a larger scale than the previously approved hostel.
Other concerns centred around noise impact, further pressure on the road network, and light pollution affecting dark skies area and wildlife.
Councillors will make the final decision next Wednesday.