Caravan park planning appeal

A Saddleworth farmer and campsite owner faces opposition from residents who don’t want him to keep caravans and tents on site all year round.

Nigel Hadfield of Well-i-hole Farm in Greenfield appealed yesterday against Oldham Council’s refusal of planning permission for long-stay camping facilities. Mr Hadfield can allow tents or caravans for no more than 28 days, with no caravans between October and March, and no permanent caravans.

The farm is close to The Manns conservation area; caravans have been kept there since the 1960s.

The association’s Dave Watson said: “I would hate anybody to think I’m against caravan sites; my concern is about the visual impact all year round. It’s not very attractive.”

Mr Hadfield said contract workers who stay on the site for longer than 28 days help to boost the local economy: “It has to pay its way in winter and summer. You need to have someone there paying bills. It will never be a farm again, it’s just not big enough.”