An attempt by a caravan park boss to overturn Babergh's decision to refuse an extra 13 units at Shotley Gate has failed.

Antony Barney of Countrywide Park Home challenged the council's ruling to refuse his application for a lawful certificate to station an extra 13 twin-unit caravans in addition to the existing 13 park homes at Shotley Caravan Park.

Timothy King, a planning inspector appointed by the Secretary of State, heard the appeal at Endeavour House, in July 2022, and visited the site the same day.

Babergh planners refused the initial application for a certificate of lawful use or development in February 2021 and Mr King dismissed the appeal.

In his decision notice published today, Mr King outlined his reasons for dismissing the appeal and ruling in favour of Babergh. (Full details can be found on the Babergh planning website here - using reference DC/20/00874.

Mr King ruled the doubling of the number of twin-unit caravans would have a significant impact on the landscape, cause light pollution and the tranquility of the Area of Outstanding natural Beauty.

In his report Mr KIng said: "I must also agree with the Council in its consideration that an intensification of the current use, to the degree proposed, would erode local landscape character and would have an urbanising effect which is likely to adversely affect both the landscape and scenic qualities of this part of the AONB.

Nearby Shotley marshes in protected area

"Further, I consider that due to increased activity and potential light pollution, it could also impact on the tranquillity – an integral quality of AONBs – of the western bank of the River Orwell."

Neither side applied for costs.

Appeal Decision APP/D3505/X/21/3272144