Plans to extend Stafford Gypsy caravan site withdrawn

The owner of Back Widdens Caravan Park, Within Lane, which borders the Stafford MOD site, wanted to turn agricultural land into an extension of the park with eight new pitches.

The application submitted Stafford Borough Council said: "Change of use of land from agricultural to Gypsy site to extend existing Gypsy caravan park by 8no additional bays (pitches) Location Back Widdens Caravan Park, Within Lane, Hopton."

There were several objections to the extension of the park, including from residents on Within Lane. 

One said: "I object to this application as I already have noise from existing people who live there dogs barking 24 hours a day and they don't do anything to stop them. 

"There is already a lot of traffic use the site entrance I have worked nights and used to get no sleep and have had to change to days so that I can get some sleep because it was affecting my health and if you have eight new neighbours they may have dog's and extra vehicles."

The application described the caravan site as "has been established by the same family over 35 years and over three generations. The family has integrated into the wider Stafford community over all these years and contributed to the Stafford economy taking various employment opportunities in these 35 years and adding to the education system."

The application added: "This application is an extension to the existing site allowing for a natural family expansion and live together within their community."

The application also included a new children's playground and the extra sewage would be catered for by a 12,000 litre septic tank. 

However, despite more than a year of submissions, comments and work on the application it was abruptly withdrawn on Friday, November 1. 

Stafford Borough Council head of economic development and planning Dean Piper wrote to the council concerning the application, said: "I can confirm that the application was withdrawn from the system with effect from November 1, 2024."