FIFTY touring caravan pitches which were intended to be used by Hinkley workers could be changed into static pitches if plans are approved.

Applicant West Country Parks is seeking planning permission to change the use of the touring caravan pitches at Edithmead Leisure and Park Homes to static caravan pitches due to a lack of demand from Hinkley workers.

In a design and access statement Shattock Associates, the agent for West County Parks, said the demand for touring plots on the site has fallen and the owners have fears the pitches will remain vacant for much of the year if changes are not made.

The statement said: “The applicant has found that Hinkley workers favour renting or buying static homes rather than buying their own touring caravans, although demand for static homes from the workers is low.

“On a broader basis the demand for tourist plots generally is falling on this site.

“Touring plots exist on the original park but these are rarely used to full capacity.

“The market it would seem is going away from taking touring vans onto the road and parking them up temporarily to the easier option of having a static van ready to be used at any time.

“There is a real fear therefore that these consented 50 touring plots will remain vacant for much of the time and do little to benefit the local area and its tourist industry.

“Touring vans visiting Somerset tend to be on their way through to stay for longer periods in Devon and Cornwall.

“Statics on the other hand attract long and short stay visitors to the area on a year round basis and contribute significantly to the local economy.”

Shattock Associates said changing the use of the pitches will increase the use of the site and boost rail and bus services in the area.

“This development supports an increasing demand for static tourism pitches in the area and concentrates the supply to meet this demand on a site which is sustainable by way of its close proximity to the M5 as well as public transport,” Shattock Associates said.

“The proposal supports economic growth, is sustainable, respects the character of the countryside and helps deliver a prosperous rural economy.”

Comments are welcome on the plan until December 13. To view the application visit sedgemoor.gov.uk and type in reference 12/19/0002.