A bid to increase the size of a West Cumbrian holiday park should be refused, say the local town council.
Violet Bank Holiday Park, off Simonscales Lane in Cockermouth, wants to extend its site to include up to an extra 54 static caravans, on land currently used for grazing.
Hanley Parks Ltd, which runs the site, has submitted an application to Cumberland Council and will increase the number of lodges on the site from 134 to 188. It said there were no plans for further expansion.
However, Cockermouth Town Council said the expansion should be refused and has asked the planning authority for its committee to consider the plans.
It objected to the scheme because it said it was an over-development and there were concerns over the safety of pedestrians.
It said: “The lane is well used by pedestrians and dog walkers. It is a narrow lane with no passing places. With 54 additional caravans, there could be up to 108 additional vehicles, which would pose a significant risk.”
It added that a passing place should have been installed under a previous application in 2021.
The town council also claimed that the park had a number of full-time residents – contrary to previous planning conditions. It said: “If these existing caravans were used solely as holiday accommodation as authorised, there would be fewer new caravans required.”
It also raised concerns over sewage and surface water drainage.
The town council said if, despite its concerns, planning permission was granted, a number of conditions should be imposed, including no permanent residents on site, passing places installed on the access road, a new footpath created and a subsidy to make sure the bus service continues.
