A proposed new caravan park and campsite in the countryside between Sidford and Harcombe is being strongly opposed by concerned local residents. 

The owners of Boswell Farm Holiday Cottages have applied for a change of use to a piece of their land, to create 16 pitches for caravans and campervans, a separate area for camping, and a toilet/shower block. 

They say they want to provide a ‘peaceful and tranquil high quality tourism product’ for people seeking a ‘sanctuary from the noise and pace of modern life’.  

In their planning statement they say the development will bring extra trade to local businesses, and there will also be a local economic benefit from the design and building work. 

The statement says: “Traffic generated by the proposal can be accommodated safely on the local highway network and safe highway access to the site can be achieved.” 

But people living nearby are campaigning against the development, and more than 40 have submitted objections to EDDC’s website. They believe it would spoil an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, harm wildlife, and cause traffic congestion in the narrow country roads, particularly Under Lane which would be used to access the site. 

One local resident, who did not want to be named, told the Herald: “There is considerable opposition building in the local community, as it is already apparent that this would impact on local traffic which is a mix of large farm vehicles, milk lorries, delivery vans, oil delivery lorries and private vehicles.  

“The congestion with the additional recreational traffic, particularly in the summer months, would be chaotic. There are few passing places along the narrow single-track lanes, and most of those are not big enough for a campervan and most sizes of caravan.  

“It would be especially perilous if vehicles traveling from the east via Honiton were to travel down the extremely steep Harcombe Hill, which is highly likely if they were to follow satnav to the site.” 

Residents are also concerned about potential pollution to the Snod Brook from chemical toilet waste and other rubbish from the campsite. 

Full details of the application can be found on East Devon District Council’s website, and it will be determined by the council at a later date.