Owen Paterson MP won't enter row over Ellesmere holiday lodges
An MP has refused to enter a row over proposals to build holiday lodges next to a beauty spot in Ellesmere – despite a plea from residents for his support.
Owen Paterson has said he will not back a campaign to stop the development on Castlefields car park in Ellesmere as he has a long-standing policy not to get involved in planning disputes.
But he has forwarded a letter sent by campaigners asking for his support to Shropshire Council leader Malcolm Pate to raise their issues with him.
It comes as a planning appeal has been lodged by Simon Darlington who wants a government planning inspector to overturn Shropshire Council's decision to refuse his plans to create 20 holiday lodges on Castlefields car park.
In his letter to Mr Paterson, Ellesmere resident Rob McBride pleaded with the MP not to follow his usual policy of staying out of planning matters. The letter says: "As you should know, the majority of Ellesmere folks are against any development that intrudes into the environs of our Mere.
"This includes housing and also the proposed caravan/chalet development site that is now going through appeal.
"You and I have spoken a few times regarding ancient trees and woodlands but now the people of Ellesmere, your constituents, need you to vocalise what the majority of us are saying – no developments close to Ellesmere Mere.
"There are many planning issues which should make this caravan site dead in the water and yet the developer keeps coming back time again."
Residents fear the scheme will create a "visual blot" on the landscape and are concerned that the loss of the car park could hit tourism.
"The Mere is what defines our town and as such brings in hundreds of thousands of tourists per year. We do not want this jeopardised by a highly-visible caravan development site.
"Please do not reply to me saying that you cannot comment on planning issues. The people of Ellesmere want you to comment for us, your voters."
Mr Paterson said: "I have said it for a long time – I don't do planning. It is a council matter and I have to remain neutral. I have sent his letter on to the leader of Shropshire Council."
Mr Darlington said people have misread his intentions for the site and claims the development will not destroy anything.
The Oswestry Caravans' owner said the car park is currently under-used and the site desperately needs to be tidied up. He also believes far from damaging tourism, the scheme will actually encourage more people to visit the town.
