Village pub ‘could close’ if plans don’t get green light, Teesdale Mercury

THE landlords of a Teesdale pub say the business is likely to close unless controversial plans for a caravan site are approved.

But some residents are opposing the proposal, saying it would make them “prisoners in our own homes”.

Durham County Council last year rejected an application to turn a field at The Moorcock Inn, in Eggleston, into a campsite. 

It was to be used a maximum of 28 days a year, but planners ruled that the proposals would have a harmful impact on the area.

Catherine Hayman and Mark Reynolds, who run the 160-year-old inn, have recently re-submitted their application.

They say the caravan site would allow the business to welcome large groups for events, including a medieval re-enactment, kite festival and country and western show.

Without these customers, the landlords fear the pub will close.

George F White, on behalf of Ms Hayman and Mr Reynolds, said: “Due to the current economic situation it is likely that without this proposed diversification, then the business will not remain viable in the short term.

“The balance between the potential harmful impact of this development needs to be considered against the benefits it will bring to the economy and social well-being of the local community by allowing a public house to continue to exist.”

The previous plans divided the community and several residents signed a petition in protest. However, a number of letters of support were also sent to the council.

The latest plans include a clause that says the land cannot be used as a caravan site if the pub closes. The permission would also only last for three years.

George F White said the campsite, which would have up to 30 touring caravans, would boost tourism in Teesdale.

The firm said: “The knock-on effect will be to improve the local economy as a whole. Visitors to events at The Moorcock Inn will also use other local facilities, which would be a net benefit to the whole area.”

Campers have previously used the site on an unofficial basis, but the pub was last year told that it needed planning permission.

Residents say tents and caravans have been put on the field during five events this year. 

Kevin Sellwood, who lives next to the land, said the campsite causes his family disruption.

He has given the council photographs, which he says show campers urinating next to a wall on the site.

Mr Sellwood said sometimes at least 80 people camp there.

In a letter to council, he said: “It is impossible to spend time in the garden comfortably when this number of people, complete strangers, are wandering around in close proximity and many of whom behave in an unsuitable manner – shouting, using bad language, urinating in public view, throwing food around, revving engines, riding motorbikes, cooking with a number of barbecues, drinking heavily and playing loud music.”

Five other residents also signed the letter.

Suzanne Herbert, vice chairwoman of Eggleston Parish Council, said a bikers’ weekend was organised at the Moorcock in May. 

She said there were more than 50 tents pitched at the site and that the campsite was noisy.

Cllr Herbert said the residents “had to endure being overlooked by more than 150 people who were rowdy, had been drinking for several hours and some of whom chose not to use the somewhat inadequate toilet facilities”.

The site is within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the AONB Partnership has also objected, saying the plans would have an “adverse visual impact”.

Cllr Barbara Harrison wants councillors on Durham County Council’s planning committee to make the decision, rather than council officers. She says the decision would have an economic impact on the area.