The landlord of a Grade II-listed pub in the North York Moors has withdrawn a planning application for overnight facilities for campervan and motorhome parking after a series of complaints over traffic issues.
The Horseshoe Hotel in Egton Bridge, near Whitby started offering toilet and electricity points for campervans and motorhomes to stay overnight two years ago, but were told by North York Moors National Park Authority planning officers that they would require consent for a change of use to accommodate multiple vehicles.
The Authority was supportive “in principle” as it would boost the pub’s viability but North Yorkshire Council’s highways department objected on grounds of road safety.
They argued that they had received a number of complaints about roadside parking and congestion in the village because customers’ vehicles had been displaced from the car park by leisure vehicles.
To avoid refusal, the owners of the pub requested to be allowed just one campervan or motorhome to stay overnight on the car park, meaning a change of use was not required.
The National Park Authority agreed.
Related: Brit Stops hiring ‘pint chaser’ to map out Pub Trail
Announcing the outcome on a Facebook group for motorhome owners, Mr Shell said he would honour all upcoming bookings.
He said: “According to the National Park Authority, this is because when we are busy we have 20 cars parked on the road, legally the three campervans are causing this.
“I have argued and argued the case that this makes no sense but with no result.
“The National Park made me apply for planning permission, which I did at great expense but they have turned me down.
“We have done all that we can but we have reached the end of the road on this.
“We hope to carry on welcoming many motorhomes in the future, but only one staying overnight.
“Thanks for all your support in the past and in the future.”
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Van Life Matters newsletter or download the Van Life Matters App to stay up-to-date with the latest UK Van Life news, tips and advice.
