VILLAGERS have lost their fight to prevent a caravan park in Wigtownshire from being extended.
At the planning committee on Wednesday, councillors voted to approve the expansion of Sands of Luce Caravan Park in Sandhead.
This will see an additional 28 caravans at the holiday location, which had previously increased capacity with an additional 59 static caravans in 2021.
Stoneykirk Community Council had lodged an objection, complaining that the continued growth of the holiday site was impinging on the village of Sandhead. Secretary Wilma Hainey said: “Is the caravan park part of the village, or is the village part of the caravan park?”
Jack Cooper, of Sands of Luce Caravan Park, attended the planning committee alongside agent Adrian Paterson to address councillors. Letters of support for the extension were also submitted.
However, Wilma argued that the caravan park only contributes approximately £34,000 per annum in business rates, while Sandhead villagers contribute approximately £120,000 in council tax. She said: “This would suggest that although there is a tangible economic contribution to the village, there is without doubt a higher extraction of resources from the local community through use of healthcare infrastructure, wear and tear on infrastructure, environmental pollution, and noise pollution.
“In effect, the village is subsidising the caravan park.”
And she insisted the village already has a shortage of affordable homes, and the extension will exacerbate this problem.
But applicant Jack Cooper said: “Within our 25 years of ownership of the park, we’ve increased the park’s quality grading from three to five star, and converted a high-density touring caravan site into a well-landscaped, low density static caravan lodge park with a small touring site.
“We are fortunate to be fully booked and have a waiting list for holiday homes sales. This present us with an immediate need for growth as to meet demand.
“With growth comes opportunity for social and economic benefit within the community we operate by way of employment and visitor spend.”
He added: “Our ambition is to enrich this environment and relationship for years to come by well-considered, sustainable development and estate management.”
