A campsite in North Somerset is appealing to the council to let it open throughout the winter.

Currently, a time restriction limits the use of Riverside Caravan Park in Bleadon in January and February.

But, in a planning application to North Somerset Council to remove the restriction, the campsite argued that opening year round would turn seasonal jobs into permanent jobs and bring visitors to the area to spend money in local shops at quiet period of the year where this would not put pressure on infrastructure.

A statement submitted with the application said: “The area is popular for outdoor pursuits including caving, gliding, walking, cycling, horse riding and rambling. Quite literally this park is at the heart of year long leisure facilities.”

It added: “Year round use of Riverside Caravan Park will satisfy an existing and growing demand for short stat holidays during the winter months.

"It will give the site a competitive advantage through the efficient use of staff and facilities which in turn will boost the local economy.”

You can view and comment on the plans here: https://planning.n-somerset.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=S80YXKLPIKK00

All planning applications are available for public inspection on the respective council’s website. Most plans will be decided by council planning officers, but some of the most significant or contentious will go before the councils’ planning committee.

Planning committees are made up of elected councillors but decisions should be decided based on the council’s planning policies, not local politics — although it doesn’t always turn out that way.