Field where caravan site is proposed in Walsoken

HOTELIER Michael Stratton launched his second bid in a matter of months to persuade planners to allow him to turn over a field for up to 20 touring caravans.

Mr Stratton, owner of the Westfields Guest House in Wisbech, tried unsuccessfully last summer to get consent for the new venture.

But now he has reapplied to West Norfolk Council for permission to use the field at Sibley Field Farm, Biggs Road, Walsoken, for touring caravans.

He also hopes to build a shower block for visitors and says the proposals “will greatly improve the available space for client usage and add to the visual appearance of this property”.

Mr Stratton has received one piece of good news since Walsoken Parish Council has given him their blessing: last time round they agreed to ‘defer’ the decision to West Norfolk Council.

Mr Stratton is hopeful of overcoming highway objections, the main reason planners felt last time it could not recommend it for approval. Biggs Road, they said, “is considered to be inadequate to serve the proposed development”.

Planners feared restricted width and lack of passing provision together with poor visibility hindered access towards its junction with Broadend Road East.

The council expects to make a decision by February 23.