Controversial Shropshire holiday park plans back on table

A fresh planning application has been submitted to Shropshire Council to develop Castlefields car park, near The Mere, in Ellesmere.

The original application sought to change the car park to a touring and static caravan park. But it was withdrawn before the council could make a decision.

Now applicant Euro Source and Find Limited, trading as Oswestry Caravans, has revised its plans to take into account local concerns over the size and scale of the original development.

Instead of 54 sites for touring and static caravans, the new application is seeking permission for 20 holiday lodges.

The original proposals came under fire from the Council for British Archaeology, Shropshire Wildlife Trust and Ellesmere Town Council. They feared it would have an impact on the ruins of nearby Ellesmere Castle. The plan also faced objection from residents who feared it would damage the area's natural beauty.

But the agent said the revised development will sit within the existing car park to minimise alterations to ground levels.

A revised Heritage Assessment has been carried out and this confirms the proposal will have limited impact in heritage terms.

Ellesmere resident Cathy Andrew, who set up a No to Castlefields Caravan Park campaign, said she had not yet seen the revised plans in detail. "I think there is still a problem with it being a useful car park, especially at this time of year," she said.

"It is well-used and I wonder if that car park is lost how it will impact on parking for day visitors to Ellesmere."

Stuart Thomas, head of planning at Berrys, which is representing the applicants, said:

"There is significant evidence to support a growing visitor and leisure economy within the UK and Shropshire in particular, and these holiday lodges will make a significant contribution to the local economy."