Council rejects Winchelsea caravan park proposal

THE Surf Coast Shire has rejected plans for a new caravan park to be built in Winchelsea.

The proposal was for the park to be constructed on the vacant block of land at 28-30 Willis Street, next to an existing caravan park.

The council was fearful that adding another caravan park on the main road could have a negative effect on the town’s atmosphere.

Winchelsea is one of the major growth areas in the region, but the council’s Winchelsea Strategy directs new commercial developments to promote “the country village and historical character of Winchelsea”.

Winchelsea Ward councillor Heather Wellington said that while she opposed the plan, she did understand that the people who lodged the proposal may feel aggrieved considering there was already a caravan park on the same street.

“You might say it was a mistake to put a camping ground in the main street in the first place.”

However, she noted that Winchelsea was a rapidly changing town, and emphasised the need to maintain its character.

Cr Margot Smith similarly noted the importance of protecting Winchelsea’s identity as it grew.

“In 20 years’ time, people would look back and say ‘what was the council thinking?’,” she said.

The movement to reject the plan was unanimously carried by the council.