PLANS for permanent caravans on the grounds of a country pub in Bradfield have been put forward.

The Strangers Home Pub and Campsite has submitted a planning application for 19 permanent static caravans on the site to Tendring Council.

The plans state the existing 22 seasonal touring pitches would be removed to make way for the static caravans in a controlled gated park.

The planning application, on Tendring Council’s planning website, said the installation of the 19 caravans would help sustain the pub going forward for the benefit of the owners, the community and visitors.

It said: “The proposed development of this existing and already established campsite is in close accord with both national and local planning policies.

“The proposed site development will provide local amenities and employment facilities to the local community in a low level impact rural setting to the overall benefit of the local community and environment.

“If approved the scheme would enhance and diversify the on-site public facilities, setting, maintenance, operational use and overall site security of this existing campsite and would not rise to material harm by way of traffic generation, visual disharmony, noise nuisance or any other issue of acknowledged planning importance. We have given thought to the impact upon the neighbouring residents and have introduced natural screening to the site boundaries in this controlled and gated caravan park in order to mitigate against the impact of the proposals.”

If the plans are approved the park would have reduced opening months from March 1 to October 31 and would be closed from November 1 until February 28.

However, planning applications to increase the amount of caravans on the site have been withdrawn in the past.

In 2012 villagers protested over plans to double the amount of caravans on the camping site.

Land behind the pub was allowed to have no more than 25 caravans pitched up at one time.

That year site owners wanted to be able to have 50 caravans on the land at once.

A similar application which called for permission for 70 caravans, was withdrawn in 2011 because of concerns over access.

In the past, owners have stated they would not have permanent caravans on the site.

Tendring Council has the final say on the plans.