Scaled-down camp site near Market Drayton given go-ahead

It means a new log cabin will be built in Hinstock, near Market Drayton, in a bid to attract more visitors to the area.

The original scheme put forward by applicant Trudie Sitser was to create six camping pods and a log cabin, along with a toilet block, on the site at Folly Foot Cottage, Marsh Lane.

But that application was later amended to propose changing the use of the land for just one holiday cabin and amending parking and access to Folly Foot Cottage.

In a letter to Shropshire Council, Mid West Planning, on behalf of the applicant, said it hoped the amendments would result in a "much less intensively used site" and allow the environmental health officer to withdraw his objection, due to the possibility of "conflicting uses between the site and neighbouring occupants".

The agents also hoped the large reduction in holiday accommodation would also allow the parish council and highways department to withdraw their objections as well.

Hinstock Parish Council raised a number of concerns with the application, including that improvements need to be made to the road, entrances and passing places as councillors noted the narrowness of the road.

Councillors also felt pedestrian access into the village should be considered.

Three letters of objection were also received from local residents who raised concerns about the impacts the development would have on neighbouring properties in Oswald View as well as the impact on the nearby public footpath.

But a report by Shropshire Council case officer Philip Mullineux states: "Whilst the comments of the local parish council are noted, on balance the amended plans now indicate small scale development considered acceptable in scale and mass in relationship to the surrounding environment.

"Highway matters are now considered to be acceptable, as are residential amenity and privacy issues along with ecological issues."

A statement on behalf of the applicant said: "The proposed development of holiday accommodation will help to maintain and improve economic prosperity for the locality, including the businesses in Hinstock.

"Visitors will be holiday makers, perhaps on a tour of Shropshire or England, people on weekend breaks, visiting family and friends and walkers or cyclists.

"It is recognised that overnight visitors will contribute much more positively to the local economy than day-trippers.

"The wider benefits of increased tourist and visitor accommodation will boost trade and employment throughout the year for retail outlets and visitor attractions locally."