Farm aims for permanent 50-pitch Hazel Grove campsite
Stockport Council will consider proposals from Happy Valley Camping to add to its permitted 60 days a year of business.
The site sits within a 300-acre dairy farm, with adviser Fisher German stating that the need to diversify income is driving the move. The farm is accessed from Chester Road, and lies between that and another key thoroughfare in Jacksons Lane.
Fisher German is advising on the proposals from Happy Valley to move from a permitted rights situation, where it is allowed to operate for 60 days a year, to a more permanent footing at the 3.7-acre Chester Road site.
Happy Valley wants to offer camping at the site from April through to October each year, rather than just the weekend days it is able to offer under its current situation.
This is the second year the applicant has been running camping at the site, and due to its successes so far it is looking to beef up operations.
The site is used for agriculture in the winter months. Fisher German said in its planning statement that the camping would “support the farming enterprise through diversification” – giving over fields for camping being an increasingly popular way farms are broadening their income streams.
In its planning statement, Fisher German clarified that the proposal specifically does not include provision for static or touring caravans, and will not involve the addition of electric hook-up points. A limit of 50 camping pitches is proposed.
As the application seeks permission for a permanent seasonal campsite, the applicant proposes the permanent installation of a WC and wash block, along with associated hardstanding and the erection of perimeter boundary treatments, all to be retained on a permanent basis.
The limit of 50 pitches, will, said Fisher German “ensure there is limited to no considered intensification of the land or any adverse impact within the Green Belt”.
Fisher German continued: “The farm currently has no other diversification element to this. Providing a low impact, small-scale seasonal campsite allows for a diversification arm to the farming enterprise to support the business and the next generation.”
There is a weekly waste collection from the site already operational, and the only structural changes beyond the toilet and shower block is in the form of moveable storage containers.
The proposals can be viewed on Stockport Council’s planning portal with the reference DC/095567.
Wonder what the campers do whilst staying there at Denbigh Farm – walk/cycle down the A555?
By Swampy
A great base to get the train to Manchester & the Peak District, Buxton, even to Stockport in Underbank & The Market. Really easy to drive, ride or walk to Lyme Park, Bramall Hall,
By Anonymous
There should be an allowance for a few smaller caravans. Give us older people who cannot camp anymore a chance. That would be perfect for friends visiting in their micro caravan and awning. We dont have space in our bungalow for them. Just allowing 3-5 would give options.
By Joanne waldron
This looks like an ideal grey belt site. Surely much needed housing would be a better option
By Anonymous
@Swampy Precisely. Odd place for a campsite. Not sure I would want to camp in suburbia but each to their own. Better this than building houses on the land!
By Anonymous
Why are we. letting more houses being built when united utilities cannot handle the effluent from existing houses without dumping it in the rivers. Until United Utilities increase the capacity of their effluent treatment plants there should be no more house building and let the housing developers pay for the new utilities infrastructure!
By Tim
Great plan as a weekend camper here already, would support the plan and extend ny camping trips.
By AK