Local objections fail to halt expansion by Green Hill Farm in Landford

STRICT conditions attached to a major revamp plan by a New Forest holiday park have convinced national park authority members to grant permission despite over 300 objections.

The application for Green Hill Farm in Landford sought to allow 150 static caravan lodges, including 60 already there as part of a comprehensive plan for the future of the holiday park.

As well as hundreds of letters, the neighbouring parish councils of Landford, Melchet Park and Plaitford, and Bramshaw had all opposed the scheme, raising concerns about the impact on the New Forest, noise and light pollution.

However, over 120 letters were received from supporters who argued the changes would be good for the local economy and deliver jobs.

There was also backing from Russell Wynn, a director of conservation group Wild New Forest, who argued the scheme would actually boost nature.

However, opponent Stephanie Hildon told the meeting: “I’m astonished that the community plan does not matter, I’m astonished that the parish council view doesn’t matter, and I’m astonished that your own policies don’t matter.”

A report to NPA described the plans as delivering “a high quality and carefully managed holiday site that would enhance the landscape character and biodiversity of the area”.

Debating the application, NPA member Sue Bennison described it as a “balancing act” between elements that fell foul of planning policy and the ability to regularise the site with conditions.

George Bisson claimed many objections failed to take into account the existing permission for 190 units. He said: “The applicant is amenable to suggestions put forward by this committee.”

John Sanger said: “We are in a position where we have an existing very unwelcome site. What we have to look at is whether this application will make it worse or better or have no impact.”

David Harrison proposed permission, adding: “I’m satisfied in accepting officers’ recommendation – we have to make our judgement based on planning law.”

However, Anne Sevier opposed the scheme as an “expansion into open countryside” and warned it would lead to similar applications from other sites such as Sandy Balls holiday park.

Diane Andrews said Green Hills was well hidden and supported dozens of local jobs, and controlling the site with planning conditions was the best way to protect the national park.

“There is no application that the objectors would want,” said NPA member Stephen Trow, adding that making an exception to policy was a “wise move in some circumstances”.

The comprehensive scheme by site owner Lovat Parks also sought permission for 16 glamping units, the retention of a dining tent, site roads, playgrounds and landscape features.

A committee report said overall 190 holiday units would be reduced to 150, and granting permission would give planners more control over the site through over 22 planning conditions.

Permission was granted by eight votes to three.