Plan for campsite in Treen overlooking Pedn Vounder beach

Mike Kerwin and Jeremy Richards live in Shropshire and want to change an agricultural field they own at Treen into a private campsite, writes Richard Whitehouse, Local Democracy Reporter.

The pair want to use the site for two caravans, two tents and a parking area.

The application to Cornwall Council is part retrospective as some works have already taken place.

However, the site sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and overlooks Pedn Vounder beach.

This has led to more than 100 people lodging objections to the application on the council's planning portal.

In a design and access statement submitted with the application it is explained: “My clients have recently purchased the land adjacent to Treen Farm campsite, a short walk from Treen village.

"The owners live in Shrewsbury, Shropshire some 300 miles from the site.

“The purpose is to use the field to locate two caravans and two tents, the subject of the planning application.

"The material change of use is for short term holidays for two families.

"It is recognised the occupation of the field will mean an increase in occupancy for short term periods but the impact on locals will be minimal.

“There are no direct neighbours, and the site is close to a commercial caravan and camping park.

"There is no intention to rent the caravans as a business venture, they are purely for the families' own use which includes many children.”

Aerial view of the site in Treen where two families want to create a private holiday camp. The site is the darker field to the right of the campsite. Picture: Google

Under conditions suggested by the planning agent the applicants would not be able to stay on the site for any more than 56 days at a time and that the site would only be used between February and October.

The Cornwall AONB Partnership said that the mobile home and caravan which are located on the site are “a conspicuous and unwelcome intrusion into the agricultural landscape and provide an indication of the likely visibility and effects of the proposed change of use”.

It adds that the new campsite would be “a proliferation of uncharacteristic and harmful development within the designated landscape”.

A total of 113 public comments have been received on the application with every one being an objection.

Many of them highlight the site being within the AONB and claims that the development would damage the countryside.

Rebecca Ley stated: “The Treen cliffs are an AONB and as such this planning application represents a clear breach of the purpose of AONB designation – to protect some of the country’s most unique and well-preserved landscapes.

"To allow the eyesore of a huge chalet, together with caravan, tents and parking for cars would make a mockery of the entire AONB principles that safeguard much of Cornwall’s unique landscape.

“It is unthinkable that these structures would be permitted after the landowners’ shameless construction, without any permission being sought or obtained.

"There is no justification for the development and the applicants’ total lack of openness and honesty should not be rewarded, but penalised.”

Elizabeth Le Grice commented: “We, like many others, have a great affection for this area.

"Its beauty is overwhelming and has been part of our lives as a family for forty years.

"Our children love to swim there and the beauty of the cliffs and coast raise the spirits.

"It is necessary to keep this place untainted in these troubled times.

"This site is highly visible and will be an eyesore if building is allowed.

"Please protect this area of AONB.”

No date has yet been set for when the application might be decided.

To view the plans or comment on them go to the Cornwall Council website and look at application number PA22/00697.