Dornoch farming couple face opposition to motorhome stopover site plan
A Dornoch farming couple are facing opposition from neighbours to their plan to provide an overnight stop-off area for motorhomes on their land.
Rob and Emma Smith are seeking planning permission to create 10 pitches with electric hook-up on a 1.4 acre site at Davochfin Farm.
Three objections have already been received to the plan and neighbours attended a meeting of Dornoch Community Council on yesterday evening to voice their concerns.
However, support has come from the operators of the seaside Dornoch Camping and Caravan Park who say that the development will enhance the area’s reputation as a welcoming destination for travellers.
The Smiths already run a five-pitch Caravan and Motorhome Club site, as well as other diversification projects, including a golf driving range, a pitch-and-putt course, trout fishing at Dornoch Lochans and farm experiences.
The chosen site for the new development is to the south side of the public road, close to Dornoch Lochans and the golf driving range. It is separate from the existing Caravan and Motorhome Club site, which is located to the north of the public road.
The Smiths say that there will be no building infrastructure and that the intention is simply to provide an electric hook up for the new pitches and allow motorhomes to park overnight.
Occupants would use an existing toilet and shower facility provided for customers of the Lochans.
A previous application for a similar development was rejected in November last year as the council had not received sufficient information about the flood risk.
Objectors claim that the site often becomes waterlogged after heavy rainfall and that the single toilet and shower are inadequate for the number of people likely to use the site.
There are also fears over increased traffic on the single-track road which passes the farm and runs from Dornoch to the Cuthill junction with the A9.
Objectors are claiming that work on the pitches has taken place ahead of the planning application being decided and that the site is already in use.
It is understood, however, that operating a motorhome stopover site for up to 28 days in a year without planning consent is possible under certain conditions.
Dorothy Bennie wrote to planners: “I travel along Lonemore Road on a daily basis and have witnessed a huge rise in traffic over the past few years. This proposal will only exacerbate this problem.
“Secondly, what was once a peaceful area with abundant wildlife is already spoilt by over- tourism. This development would be disruptive in many ways.
“I also object to the fact that the applicant is already running a caravan business down there ahead of any decision being made. I believe hookup points have also been installed. Surely this is against planning policy?”
However, Darren Redfern of Dornoch Caravan Park and Beach Road wrote: “The proposed development will complement existing facilities, such as our own, by providing additional capacity and accommodating a broader range of tourists.”
Dornoch Community Council agreed not to object to the planning application but to ask the planning department to consider the impact of the increased volume of traffic and also whether the shower and toilet facilities were adequate.
