Holiday parks on the Isle of Sheppey could get the go-ahead to open all year round following a U-turn by Swale council.

Members have voted to support an interim policy allowing some sites to convert into a residential parks.

They say it could make it easier for the over-55s to find affordable housing and to use some of their spare cash to help their children step on the property ladder.

But Cllr Cameron Beart warned: "There needs to be very strict rules on who can buy caravans or chalets on these parks. At one, for instance, only those with family connections to the village can buy.

"What we don't want is for London boroughs to move in and then use them for cheap accommodation for Londoners."

The decision comes at a time when people who use the parks as a second home are still barred from visiting because of the coronavirus lockdown.

At present, all parks are restricted to either eight or 10 months with residents having to move out, usually in January.

But members of Swale council's Local Plan Panel, meeting via video links on May 7, agreed that certain parks could apply to become residential sites.

Cllr Cameron Beart (Con, Queenborough and Halfway) said afterwards: "It was utterly shameful this was forced through, ignoring local representation. Five of the six parish councils on Sheppey objected to the proposal for 12-month occupation on holiday parks."

He added: "I have no issue with park homes. It worked really well with the Red Lion at Dunkirk in 2016. But the objections of the parish councils were just brushed aside and the policy seems a little light on detail."

In the end, seven voted in favour and two, Cllr James Hunt (Cons/Sittingbourne) and Cllr Carole Jackson (Lab/Faversham) were against and asked for the debate to be deferred.

There are no Sheppey councillors on the panel which is chaired by deputy leader Cllr Mike Baldock (Swale Independents Alliance, Borden and Grove Park).

He said: "I think the Island is a fantastic place with a brilliant community spirit and a lot of potential. This could tidy up the undesirable areas."

The limit was imposed to ensure sub-standard housing could not be used for permanent homes.

Members heard there were "a number" of holiday caravans and chalets being occupied permanently in breach of planning conditions.

Planning policy officer Jill Peet told members: "Whilst the council acknowledges the reasons for this are many and complex, the use of holiday caravans and/or chalets on some sites should not be continued in perpetuity."

She said not all parks had enough privacy for residents or good access to services and facilities. Some were at risk of flooding or coastal erosion.

But she said some could be converted to permanent residential sites and operated as "park homes" to provide "relatively cheap, good quality residential properties" particularly for the over-55s to release money to support retirement or help their children save for a home.

She added: "This would have the benefit of releasing housing for younger families and provide a significant contribution to meeting housing need for the elderly and the housing numbers required by government."

Henry Cooper who took over Elmhurst Caravan Park at Eastchurch last year said: "It may be the way to go but it would need significant investment to upgrade to a residential park."

The recommendation will go before the cabinet for agreement on Wednesday, June 3.

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