Whitestake caravan and leisure site recommended for green light next week

Brothers Paul and Richard Kenworthy (inset), alongside their father John, want to turn the six-hectare Turbary House Nursery site off Chainhouse Lane, Whitestake into an area where there would be a petting farm, laser clay pigeon shooting, bazooka balls, mini jeep off-roading, as well as a 27-pitch touring caravan site and caravan storage.

The Kenworthy’s say the development would create around 10 jobs and would boost the local area, but nearby residents have objected, citing noise and light concerns, as well as the over development of Green Belt land.

A total of 26 people have made representations in support of the plans, with 19 letters of objection.

Farington Parish Council has also objected to the application on grounds relating to the impact on Greenbelt, wildlife, residential amenity and air quality issues.

The plans are on the agenda for South Ribble Borough Council’s planning committee on Thursday, where councillors will choose whether to accept the officer’s recommendations, or refuse permission.

A report to members by planning offier Chris Sowerby, states that the development “constitutes an appropriate form of development in the Green Belt” and that “The proposed development would not be out of character with the local area”.

It also states the development would give a chance to regulate acitivites on the site, and that notes there have been no objections from stautory consultees.