A planning application for an extension to an existing campsite in Armagh is being strongly opposed by nearby residents who are concerned about noise and traffic issues, and potential impact on amenity.
The site, at 21 Lisdonwilly Road, is known as ‘Little Acres Allotments’ and retrospective planning permission is being sought for the retention of use of lands as a 15-pitch campsite, to include a prefabricated wash block and kitchen Portacabins.
The applicant is proposing modification to the site to provide three additional pitches and extension to the site to provide 12 additional pitches and associated site works and landscaping.
The planning application was lodged on June 16 by Crockard Building Design, Crossgar, on behalf of Seaghan and Joanne McDermott, Lisdonwilly Road, Armagh.
A resident, living across the road from the campsite, wrote when consulted on the planning application: “I wish to formally object to the planning application for the proposed campsite at 21 Lisdonwilly Road.
“As the owner and occupier of a newly-built bungalow located directly opposite the proposed development, I have serious concerns regarding the suitability of this location for a campsite and the significant adverse impact it has already had, and would continue to have, on my family, our home, and the surrounding area.
“We have experienced considerable disturbance, frustration, and heartache as a result of the site’s operation.
“The noise generated by campers, particularly during evenings and weekends, has significantly affected our ability to enjoy the peaceful rural environment in which we chose to build our home.
“The proposal seeks permission for a substantial number of camping pitches directly opposite our property. This level of development is wholly out of keeping with the character of this quiet rural area, and would result in an unacceptable intensification of activity.
“The constant movement of visitors, vehicles, and associated activity would have a significant adverse impact on the residential amenity of neighbouring properties.
“Privacy is also a major concern. Additional camping pitches have been positioned so that they directly overlook our new-build bungalow. This has resulted in a substantial loss of privacy and has left us feeling that we can no longer enjoy our home or outdoor space without being overlooked by large numbers of visitors.
“Granting planning permission would effectively legitimise an ongoing intrusion into our privacy.
“I am also deeply concerned about safety. The campsite is accessed from a narrow rural road that is not designed to accommodate increased traffic associated with a development of this scale.
“In addition, there are serious road safety concerns relating to the access arrangements at the site.
“The entrance being used by children to access and leave the campsite does not appear to have any gate, barrier, or other safety measure in place. Children as young as four years old have been observed running directly from the campsite onto the public road.
“Given the volume of traffic associated with the site and the nature of the road, this presents a significant risk of accident or serious injury.
“I am also extremely concerned about what appears to be the disposal of sewage associated with the campsite.
“On a number of occasions, I have personally witnessed caravans and motorhomes emptying what appeared to be raw sewage and wastewater onto roadside grass verges and into adjacent drainage ditches in the vicinity of the site.
“The cumulative impact of noise, increased traffic, loss of privacy, safety concerns, and the prolonged operation of the campsite has already had a significant effect on our quality of life.
“Rather than resolving these issues, approval of this application would permanently intensify them.
“I ask that careful consideration is given to the impact on neighbouring residents, the character of the rural area, road safety, residential amenity, privacy, and the welfare of children and other visitors before any decision is made.”
