Static holiday caravan at Caravan 42 Vatisker Back Isle Of Lewis, Vatisker

“Background 5.1 This Report relates to an application for planning permission, registered as valid on 12 September 2025, for a change of use of land to site static caravan for holiday use; creation of a vehicular access; parking and turning area; connection to services and provision of surface water drainage on land at croft 42 Vatisker, Back, Isle of Lewis.”

“The application is made retrospectively as a caravan has already been brought to site, albeit its position is not the same as that now proposed in the application. The proposal subject of the application is to create a formal access and parking areas; prepare an area to station the caravan (including engineering works to lower the ground below the caravan); the stationing of a caravan; and the erection of screen planting and protective fencing to the south-east and south…”

“Description of site and its context 5.7 The application site is approximately 900sqm. The application site is located at the Vatisker end of School Road, Back, approximately 100m southeast of Back School, on the opposite side of the road.”

“The site currently consists of the sited static caravan, and open grazing with stock fencing. The site is bounded to the south-east by a feu’d house, 42 Vatisker; the public road to the south-west, with housing beyond; and the remaining land of croft 42 to the north-east and north-west, with another house some 30m beyond the site to the northwest.”

“This Report recommends approval subject to conditions of a planning application for the change of use of land to site a static caravan for holiday use, and other associated works including a new vehicular access; creation of a parking area and other related works, on land at croft 42 Vatisker, Back.”

“The conclusion and recommendation are for approval subject to conditions that will mitigate effects. The recommendation considers that the change of use is acceptable, subject to conditions including the consent being for a temporary period, in line with policy.”

“Ten representations raising material planning considerations were received in relation to the proposed development, with further comments from two of the representors in relation to the revised plans. A summary of the main issues raised within the representations are as follows.”

“Representations, including from notifiable neighbours, commented on the following matters: − The development does not conform to Policy DS1: Development Strategy; Policy PD1: Placemaking and Design; and NBH1: Landscape. − Loss of croftland for caravan siting. − The design of the proposed caravan clearly does not fit in with the surrounding landscape or existing properties. − Does not complement or enhance the surrounding area or properties.”

“The proposals are considered to meet the above requirements and can be conditioned to ensure compliance with relevant matters such as duration and occupancy. Having regard to the details provided, it is considered that a permission limiting siting of the caravan to 5 years would be reasonable in relation to the age and condition of the caravan. Use will be restricted to holiday lets to a maximum of 28 days in one occupation with no return within 28 days.”

“A site visit has recorded a section of loose guttering, which could occur on any structure and the caravan structure is not considered to be inherently unsafe. The proposal to ‘sink’ the chassis of the caravan by excavating an area of ground would aid to anchor the caravan unit and better protect it from damage by high winds.”

“The Chief Planning Officer submitted a Report concerning the change of use of land to site a static caravan for holiday use and other associated works at 42 Vatisker, Back Isle of Lewis. The Report indicated that the application had been the subject of ten representations and could not be determined under delegation. The application was therefore presented to the Board for a decision.”

“It was agreed to approve that planning application, subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1 to the Report.”