New caravan site gets the green light on the Northumberland coast

The site, which will have capacity for 40 caravans, will be built in the Druridge Bay ward between Cresswell and Lynemouth.

The scheme was welcomed by members of all parties at Monday’s meeting of Castle Morpeth Local Area Council.

It was felt that the site would bring much-needed tourist cash into the area, which has long looked enviously up the coast at the likes of Bamburgh and Seahouses.

Speaking at the meeting, the application’s planning agent Tony Carter explained the benefits the site would have on the local area. He said: “For far too long, Lynemouth hasn’t been the focus of tourism development. The level of support that the application has received shows that.

“The site will support local retail, takeaways and restaurants and create new jobs. It will also bring the land into use.

“This part of the north east coast has become a tourism destination, but there is limited opportunity for people to stay here and spend their money.”

Mr Carter added that previous objections to the application had now been overcome after working with stakeholders.

Coun Elizabeth Dunn, who represents Lynemouth, was among the councillors who spoke in favour of the application.

She said: “I thoroughly approve of this. Anything to improve that area is absolutely vital.

“This development is the opportunity to improve this stretch of coast.”

Coun Mary Murphy added: “I think it is an excellent development. It is really good to see something happen on that stretch of land.

“With those hedges and trees I think it will be quite attractive. I say good luck to them.”

And Conservative councillor Richard Dodd added: “It is nice to see some investment for an area that has been deprived of it. Tourism is coming down the coast.

“The honeypot of Bamburgh can often be overcrowded in summer. It is nice to see a bit of the jam being spread further down the coast.”

The application was unanimously approved by councillors.