This a hard-fought planning appeal victory at Manor Farm Holiday Centre in Dorset. Originally refused by Dorset Council on six complex grounds, the application was successfully overturned on appeal—thanks to strategic, evidence-led work by HEAL Planning.
The proposal was to install 23 new static caravans on permanent bases within the existing holiday park, bringing increased visitor capacity and supporting the local tourism economy. But on the 8th of March, Dorset Council refused the application.
The council’s reasons were comprehensive.
They argued that the development would harm the character of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast due to its visibility from nearby footpaths and cumulative landscape impact.
They claimed the site’s proximity to a sewage treatment works and the A35 trunk road would result in poor living conditions for future occupants. Concerns were also raised over flood risk, land stability, and potential danger to road users due to the access arrangement.
At this point, the applicant contacted HEAL Planning for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our planning appeal specialists reviewed the refusal and confirmed it was appealable. A detailed written proposal was provided to the client outlining the appeal strategy. Confident in our approach, the client instructed us to proceed.
The appeal was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, and a site visit took place on January 29th. On July 1st, the decision was issued—the appeal was allowed and full planning permission was granted.
The Inspector’s report carefully examined every issue raised by the local authority.
On character and appearance, the Inspector acknowledged that the site sits within the Dorset National Landscape and Heritage Coast, but emphasised its more urbanised setting—flanked by the A35, an existing caravan park, and a sewage works.
While some visual change would occur, the Inspector concluded it would not significantly harm the wider landscape. Views from public rights of way would be filtered, and new landscaping would help mitigate impact over time.
On living conditions, the Inspector found no evidence that noise from the A35 or odour from the sewage works would affect occupiers—especially given existing caravan sites even closer to those features with no recorded complaints. The proposal included layout design and landscaping buffers to further protect amenity.
Flood risk and land instability concerns were also dismissed. The caravans would be placed outside any flood zones and a condition was included to ensure proper surface water drainage. A submitted geotechnical report confirmed no significant risks related to slope movement, and the Inspector accepted those findings.
On highway safety, the Inspector accepted that the access was already in use and could be made safe with appropriate signage and markings, which would be secured through planning conditions.
The Inspector did acknowledge some minor landscape harm. However, this was given less than moderate weight due to the specific site context and the limited impact on scenic beauty and tranquillity.
On balance, the Inspector found that the economic and environmental benefits of the scheme—including increased tourism, biodiversity improvements, and support for local businesses—outweighed the identified harm.
This was a clear, decisive win. Twenty-three new static caravans were approved, with a full schedule of planning conditions to protect landscape, ecology, drainage, and future occupants.
At HEAL Planning, this case is a perfect example of how expert appeal strategy, grounded in policy and evidence, can overturn even complex multi-reason refusals—especially in sensitive locations.
If your planning application has been refused, and you want an honest, expert opinion, contact us today. We offer a free, no-obligation assessment to help you make an informed decision.
23 Static Caravans Planning Appeal Dorset Council
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