Changes at caravan and camping site Green Hill Farm at Landford in the New Forest divides locals

PLANS for a New Forest campsite to ditch its touring pitches in favour of glamping tents and static caravans have divided opinion.

Green Hill Farm in Landford has applied to the national park authority to install 174 static caravans, which includes retaining 60 already present.

The new caravans would take the place of 130 existing touring and camping pitches.

The site, owned by Lovat Parks, would also add eight safari tents, four glamping pods and four shepherd huts.

The application has received 35 comments, with 15 against and 16 in support.

Those backing the changes said it will be a positive move, offering year-round employment instead of seasonal work and resulting in less traffic as touring caravans and campervans will no longer be visiting.

However, those against the development said it will increase traffic, littering and pollution.

Documents submitted to the NPA stated that the site has operated for more than 15 years.

Some of it had gained a lawful development certificate (LDC) in 2007. But when bought by the applicant in June 2019 it emerged that a “large part” of the site had been operating outside of that section, which was regularised by another LDC as it had been that way for more than 10 years.

Lovat Parks founder Raoul Fraser told the A&T: “We understand the concerns of the small number of people who’ve raised objections. We’ve worked hard to listen to and address issues and have already made changes as a result.

“Our plans for Green Hill Farm are designed to benefit the environment. We’re planting thousands of trees, shrubs, bulbs and plants and we’re creating a wildflower meadow that will improve biodiversity.

“We’re also working with an ecologist from Wild New Forest to map wildlife around Green Hill Farm and help us create the right habitats for it to thrive.

“We love what local residents love about Green Hill Farm and we’ll continue to engage with them on our plans.”

The public consultation period has ended and a decision is due to be made by the NPA later.