An appeal is underway after plans to convert a former pig farm in Knottingley into a caravan park were rejected twice by Wakefield Council in 2024.
The proposed development, which would introduce up to nine static caravans on Womersley Road, faced strong opposition from local residents, law enforcement, and elected officials.
Landowner Charlie Wilson initially submitted an application to establish eight static caravans on the property, a plan that included the removal of existing sheds from the farm’s operational days.
Council officers denied the application in January 2024, citing concerns that it would be “significantly detrimental” to neighboring residents. West Yorkshire Police also opposed the plan, referencing ongoing issues of antisocial behavior at the site.
A nearby children’s home manager expressed “serious safeguarding concerns” regarding the park’s potential impact.
Following the rejection, Wilson submitted a revised plan for nine caravans, arguing that part of the land was already in use as a park home site with six existing units.
According to a report by Wakefield Express, the updated proposal included adjustments such as relocating the caravans farther from the road and adding landscaping to improve screening.
Despite these changes, Wakefield Council once again refused the application in July 2024, maintaining that it would be detrimental to the local community and would not meet acceptable housing standards.
The rejection prompted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, which began reviewing the case in October. A final decision has yet to be announced. Additionally, Wilson has appealed an enforcement notice issued by the council in November.
In defense of the project, the applicant’s appeal statement argued that the site was in a “sustainable location” with proximity to essential services and local economic hubs.
“Residents here would contribute to the local economy, through using local services in the immediate area,” the statement said. It also highlighted the increasing demand for accessible, low-cost housing and noted that a site license would ensure proper management.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between land development opportunities and local opposition, an issue that caravan park operators and developers frequently encounter.
As local authorities weigh factors such as community sentiment, infrastructure impact, and housing needs, industry professionals must navigate regulatory challenges while demonstrating the economic and social benefits of such projects.
With a growing demand for alternative housing and leisure accommodations, the outcome of this appeal may provide insight into how councils balance these competing interests in the future.
