3 June 2015
Release no: 036
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On 6 May 2015 Shepway District Council issued a Temporary Stop Notice in response to development being undertaken at Elham Valley Holiday Park, Canterbury Road,
Wingmore, Kent, CT4 6LP. Since then the council has worked with the site owners, and their legal representative, to resolve outstanding issues relating to the site. Extensive representations have been made by Elham Parish Council and members of the local community and the council is fully aware of the strength of local feelings about the site.
The council has also taken legal advice to ensure it operates both reasonably and lawfully.
On 3 June 2015 Shepway District Council issued a replacement site licence for Elham
Valley Holiday Park. This allows the development of a 45 pitch camping and touring caravan site in line with the revised licence (CV01/15) and site plan, in accordance with the Certificate of Lawful Development (Y07/0039/SH).
Now that the revised licence has been issued, the owners are entitled to start works in accordance with the conditions of the site licence. The works will be monitored on a frequent basis by the council to ensure compliance with the conditions of the revised licence. In addition the owner is required to obtain written agreement from the council to certify that works have been undertaken to meet the specifications within the revised licence prior to any occupation of the site by tents and caravans.
In addition to the requirements of the Model Standards for Touring Caravan Sites 1983, the licence now requires that:
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The hardcore that has been brought on to the site for hard surface pitches must be completely removed;
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All pitches must be returned to grass with five all weather cellular block grassed pitches provided at locations agreed by the council;
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The site must be confined to the area of the Certificate of Lawful Development;
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The toilet block must be located in an appropriate and less visible position, clad in approved traditional black stained or painted timber materials;
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The hedge along the road boundary must be reinstated and planted with native species; and
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Caravans, tents or people can only stay on site a maximum of 42 days in any one year, in addition to the existing requirement limiting occupation to no more than 21 consecutive nights unless otherwise agreed with the council.
The layout specified in the revised licence responds to advice received from Affinity Water regarding the location of the water main running through part of the site. Also throughout the process of revising the Site Licence the council has worked closely with the
Environment Agency regarding flood risk, river ecology and foul drainage.
Cllr Monk, Leader of Shepway District Council, said: “The council has acted to make sure that the owner of the site respects the licence to run a touring caravan and camping site at
Elham Valley Holiday Park as accommodation for holidaying visitors to the area. The new requirements mean that the site cannot be occupied for more than 21 days at a time and for not more than a total of 42 days in any one year. In addition the site must be returned to grass. Should there be a breach of any of the conditions and requirements of the revised licence the council will take appropriate action.”
ENDS
Attachments:
1. Site Licence (CV01/15) for Elham Valley Holiday Park
2. Site Licence CV01/15) Conditions for Elham Valley Holiday Park
3. Model Standards for Touring Caravan Sites 1983
4. Revised Site Plan for Elham Valley Holiday Park
5. The Certificate of Lawful Development (Y07/0039/SH)
6. The Certificate of Lawful Development (Y07/0039/SH) Plan
For more information contact Mark Luetchford at mark.luetchford@shepway.gov.uk
or on 01303 853507 (redirected to mobile if away from office)
For general press enquiries please contact communications@shepway.gov.uk