A HALDON caravan site’s chequered history was revealed to Teignbridge Council Planning Committee on Tuesday.

Cllr John Goodey said previous owners had shown a total disregard for the planning process at the Haldon Forest Holiday Park, Clapham, carrying out work and then applying for permission retrospectively.

He said it was continuing in the same vein with a retrospective application by Mr and Mrs Ryeland and Mrs Salter for a change of use of land from agricultural to a camping use for tents during July and August only and retention of electrical hook-ups.

Cllr Goodey maintained there was existing space within the holiday park – used as an army camp during the second world war – to take the tents without using prime agricultural land in an area of Great Landscape Value.

‘The applicant is doing just what he wants to do. It will be tents this year, caravans the year after and chalets the year after that,’ he said.

Cllr Kevin Lake contended that despite Devon County Council approval the increase in traffic was unsuitable for the lanes leading to the site and there had also been sewerage problems.

He added that Kenn Parish Council and neighbouring, Dunchideock and Shillingford St George Parish Councils all objected, along with residents.

The committee agreed on a 17-3 vote to hold a site inspection.