Plans to build a new caravan park near a busy A38 road junction in Brent Knoll look set to be approved next week despite Parish Council concerns about traffic safety.
The Fox and Goose pub in Brent Knoll wants to create a new 25-pitch touring caravan site on land at the rear of the pub besides Harp Road.
The scheme is due to be considered by Sedgemoor District Council’s Development Committee on Tuesday (March 17th).
Brent Knoll parish councillors have objected against the plans, quoting traffic safety concerns following several accidents at the junction in recent years.
Parish Council clerk Owen Cullwick explained: “The Parish Council objects to this application due to its proximity to the junction with A38 and the level of increased caravan traffic near this junction. We also have concerns about drainage on the site.”
However, Somerset County Highways Authority has not objected to the plans. Jacquie Trajan said: “The site lies along Harp Road, a classified un-numbered road, that is subject to the national speed limit (60mph) at this point.”
“On reviewing the recorded Personal Injury accidents within the vicinity of the site there appear to be none within the last five years near the existing access, although there appear to be a number at the Harp Road / A38 junction.”
“The proposal is to utilise the existing access off Harp Rd into the Public House car park. The existing access appears to be of an acceptable standard and the additional traffic generated by the caravans will have little impact on the local highway network.”
Sedgemoor District Council’s case officer Liam Evans has recommended the scheme be approved by district councillors when they meet to consider the plan on Tuesday.
He explained: “The proposed change of use to a caravan site will diversify and enhance the viability of the existing rurally based business, will contribute to tourism development in the district, and will be in an appropriate location that is well served by the existing highway network.”
“The proposal will have a minimal impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside, will not be isolated within its context and is considered to be safe from flood risk. The proposal complies with policies in the Sedgemoor District Core Strategy. Accordingly, notwithstanding the Parish Council’s highways concerns, on balance, approval is recommended.”
