Five motorhome spaces at Walltown Quarry Visitor Centre, Greenhead

What was proposed

The application proposed using part of an existing car park for up to five motorhomes or campervans to stay overnight for one night at a time.

“DMC2025-28 APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION Application No: 25NP0054 Proposed Development Change of use of part of the existing car park to a mixed use car park providing limited motorhome overnight stays for up to 5 vehicles at Walltown Quarry, Northumberland National Park Visitor Centre, Greenhead, Northumberland, CA8 7JD Applicant Name Duncan Wise on behalf of Northumberland National Park Authority Reason for DMC Decision Development on Authority owned land where one…”

“The applicant’s agent explains in their Design and access, planning and heritage statement that the proposal would be to change the use of two areas within the existing car park to allow for limited overnight stays for motorhomes and/or camper vans. Area A, adjacent to the electric vehicle charging area, would allow for up to 3 camper vans and Area B is situated on the western boundary of the car park and would allow for up to 2 camper vans.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended a two-year temporary permission, considering the use acceptable with conditions covering management, numbers, facilities, amenity and tranquillity.

“It is noted the applicant states the management of the site would be through signage. An informative has been added to remind the applicant to contact the local planning authority to ensure any proposed signage is considered under the advertisement regulations prior to installation. 6.”

“Officers also respectfully remind members that planning permission relates to the land and therefore who the applicant is, is not a material planning consideration and should hold limited weight in decision making. Recommendation 7.1 It is recommended that members grant temporary planning permission for a two year period subject to the following conditions. Conditions…”

Officer report

What people and consultees said

Twenty-one objections and eleven further representations raised concerns about tranquillity, management, waste, facilities, landscape, heritage, local businesses and nearby residents.

“Harm to levels of tranquillity including noise, traffic and light • Impact on natural beauty through appearance of large white campervans with awnings • Impact on sensitivity of local landscape and wildlife • Not in keeping with heritage of the area which is World Heritage Site • Proposals will not protect or enhance the landscape character • Site is in open countryside and application does not demonstrate meets any criteria in policy ST4 • Proposal does not meet…”

“Direct competition to local campsite businesses • Logistics of how the site will be monitored to ensure correct number of vans • Enforcement of the rules in the application – how will this be undertaken, if at all • Payment for use – how is this to be enforced • Potential for litter and use of the public toilets for emptying waste 4.5 Henshaw Parish Council – (Comments made in relation to 25NP0055 at The Sill) Object.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

A planning agent, a local campsite representative and the applicant’s visitor development officer spoke, while local residents’ earlier concerns were also discussed.

Members’ concerns

Members debated whether the site could be managed, whether CCTV and checks were adequate, and whether overnight motorhome parking was needed at this location.

“Minutes of Development Management Committee Meeting 8 October 2025 Approved DMC Meeting 12 November 2025Page 5 of 9 motorhomes and needed to be decided at this meeting. She added there had not been a trial period as the signage had not been erected to provide a clear direction. Cllr Karl Green asked if NNPA could keep a daily log of how many campervans were parked overnight as this would ensure it was being policed correctly.”

“She noted that Forestry England had seen a decrease in anti-social behaviour since implementing their overnight motorhome policy. [name withheld] suggested receiving more details as to how the site be managed, which would be beneficial in making an informed decision. Cllr Alan Sharp remained concerned with the level of objection there had been to this application.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee refused permission because it considered the applicant unable to manage the area’s peace and tranquillity, harming nearby residential amenities and tranquillity.

“The following amended motion was presented:- Tha t the application be refused, due to the inability of the applicant to manage the peace and tranquillity of the area which would result in harm to the amenities of the nearby residential properties and harm to the tranquillity of the area. The proposal would be contrary to Northumberland Local Plan policy ST2 with regard to amenity and policy DM11 with respect to tranquillity.”

Minutes