Plans to stabilize land for a caravan park expansion in Bournemouth have moved forward following local government approval, despite concerns about road safety near a nearby school.
The development, which involves infilling a former gravel pit, is a necessary step for the expansion of Hengist Caravan Park in Southbourne.
Councillors unanimously approved the planning application for the work on Wick Lane, which will involve reshaping the land to ensure long-term stability, according to a report by Bournemouth Echo.
The project is expected to support future use of the site for additional caravans, an extension that already holds planning permission.
As part of the approval process, the park’s owners must sign a Section 106 agreement with BCP Council to fund biodiversity monitoring for 30 years.
The proposed works have generated opposition from residents concerned about increased construction traffic. Martin Giles, one of 50 objectors living near the site, described the situation as disruptive.
“The reality is that Wick Lane entrance was only ever used by the service vehicles for binmen (and pedestrians), it’s a tiny narrow lane,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the number of trucks being used to transport materials, stating, “We’ve had something like 400 to 500 32-tonne trucks. This instantly caused mayhem.”
On behalf of the caravan park, chartered civil engineer John Bratherton defended the project, emphasizing that it would enhance safety and prevent the need for extensive retaining walls.
“The much more subtle and elegant approach in engineering terms is our recommendations to reprofile the site with gentle slopes,” he explained. “It’s much quicker and softer which we feel responds to the concerns of the residents.”
The infill process will involve using land from existing embankments along with 6,000 cubic meters of additional material. While the project aims to improve long-term site stability, traffic management during construction remains a point of contention.
Ward councilor Bernadette Nanovo acknowledged that the project has been “contentious” due to its impact on the local community, particularly regarding the volume of construction vehicles near St. Katherine’s School.
Despite concerns, Nanovo noted that the traffic management plan implemented by the developer has been effective. However, additional road safety measures will be introduced to address the ongoing issues raised by residents.
For industry professionals, the situation highlights the importance of strategic traffic planning in large-scale caravan park developments. Managing logistics effectively while addressing community concerns can influence the success of such projects.
Developers looking to expand sites near residential areas or schools may need to engage in proactive communication and safety planning to maintain public trust and ensure smoother project approvals.
