I was shocked, and greatly disappointed, to read in the Dorset Echo of yet another planning application, submitted by Waterside Holiday Park at Bowleaze Cove, Preston, to expand its site to provide another 56 holiday homes.

This follows another application to allow year round use of its land, which is currently being considered by Dorset Council planning department.

It stated in one of your previous reports that the site currently covers almost 12 hectares.

This proposed major extension would be a further seven hectares on a green-field site to the east.

Your report on this recent proposal said that the planned new residences would be 31 ‘static homes’ and 25 'round houses’, and there would be an additional recreation area.

It is regrettable that the piece read like a PR release on behalf of Waterside.

Your report made no mention of the many attempts to expand over the last 20 years or so, by the owners of the caravan sites in Preston.

This has been a big and controversial issue in the area for a long time.

It is widely known there have been numerous applications, over many years, most of which have been refused and subsequent appeals have been dismissed.

The popular feeling has been the sites should not be allowed to expand, as it would have a detrimental impact on the Area of Landscape Importance, adjoining the AONB and the World Heritage Coast.

This view has been consistently supported by local planning committees and planning inspectors, sometimes after extensive public inquiries.

It was also reported in your article that local people would be consulted over the plans.

When will that be?

The application is with the council now. I live in the Preston area, and have not been contacted.

Anyone who would like to view the application, (WP/20/00756/ FUL), can access it via the Dorset Council planning website (dorsetforyou), and there is an opportunity for anyone to express their opinion regarding the company’s proposals.

GRAHAM EMBLEY

Preston, Weymouth