Peak District authority to buy caravan site to stop development

The authority plans to sell the site on, with restrictions for it to take up to 20 touring caravans

The Peak District National Park Authority is to buy a caravan site for £650,000 to prevent homes and static caravans from being put on it.

The authority said Tingdene Parks had planned to develop Brosterfield Caravan Site, close to the village of Foolow, after it won a planning appeal in 2011.

It said it took the decision to buy the site after hearing concerns from nearby residents.

Tingdene said it was a "satisfactory solution for all parties concerned".

The authority plans to sell the site once the deal is completed.

'Shared concerns'

Tony Favell, chair of the authority, said: "We shared the concerns of local people that the planned move would have had a huge impact on the landscape."

He said the authority had "always maintained the site only had permission for touring caravans" and needed to act to protect the environment.

"I want residents and visitors to the area to know that this move ensures that park homes or other static caravans will not be allowed on the site," he said.

The authority said it plans to implement a discontinuance order when the sale is completed, which will mean the site can only be used by touring caravans in the future.

It added that it expected to recoup most of the money when the site was sold on.