THE owners of a family-run caravan park are seeking permission to develop the site.

Plans have been submitted to introduce ten new static caravan pitches at Betsdale Caravan Park in Frosterley in Weardale.

The new pitches will be located to the north of the site and will feature concrete pads, timber decking, utilities and internal road tarmacking to match an existing row of caravans to the south.

In a document submitted on behalf of the applicants, Mr and Mrs Dobson, the planning agent George F White stated: “The proposed development is relatively small and discretely located expansion to the existing caravan park. The proposal is due to the increased demand and requests for additional pitches of the site over recent years.

“National planning policy supports the expansion of tourist businesses in rural areas to ensure their long term sustainability. The expansion will increase revenue and allow investment into the business and will also ensure that the existing business and facilities in Frosterley, including two pubs, local shop, church and community centre, will continue to benefit from tourists that visit the area regularly.”

The site is located behind Front Street in the village and is within the Frosterley Conservation Area.

The planning agent said the topography of the site would mean the visual impact of the new row of caravans would be minimal.

Any increase in traffic was also predicted to be minor due to the number of additional pitches proposed.

Members of the public can comment on the application online at durham.gov.uk until Tuesday, May 16.