Plans to build a new caravan park near a busy A38 road junction in Brent Knoll look have been approved despite Parish Council concerns about traffic safety.
The Fox and Goose pub in Brent Knoll has been granted permission to create the new 25-pitch touring caravan site on land at the rear of the pub besides Harp Road.
The scheme has been approved by members of Sedgemoor District Council’s Development Committee.
Brent Knoll parish councillors had objected against the plans, quoting traffic safety concerns following several accidents at the junction in recent years.
Parish Council clerk Owen Cullwick said: “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 did not object against the plans, with spokesperson Jacquie Trajan saying: “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 recommended the scheme be approved by district councillors and they followed his advice.
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.”
