Caravan site and petting zoo planned for former nursery site near Preston

An old plant nursery near Preston could be replaced with a caravan site.

Plans to turn the old Turbary Plant Nursery off Chain House Lane in Whitestake, have been submitted to South Ribble Borough Council on September 18.

Paul Kenworthy, who has owned Turbary since 2018, has submitted the plans which will see the six hectare nursery site turned into open air space for caravans.

He is also seeking permission change the usage of the existing site reception and ancillary building on the site and to use the open land to the east as a petting zoo and as a recreational area for archery, clay pigeon shooting and air soft.

The planning statement submitted to South Ribble council reads: “It is proposed to provide recreational uses on the eastern part of the application site.

“This land is currently vacant, and not utilised to full potential, other than some of the northern part of the site which is used for open storage.

“The proposal will partly reorganise this section, as discussed in the previous paragraph.

“The remaining parcels of the land will provide a petting zoo in the most southern parcel of field, and then recreation uses in the other remaining fields.

“The proposed activities will likely comprise or a mixture of archery, bazooka ball, laser tag, zorb games, air soft, archery, laser clay shooting, mini tanks and mini jeeps.

“A noise assessment has been undertaken for the full site, including these activities.

“The assessment confirms the activities could take place within the necessary noise limits and satisfy the council’s noise and amenity planning policies.”

The new site will create 10 jobs for the area.

The planning statement reads: “Specifically, the economic benefits of the scheme, although not a traditional employment site, offers the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the local visitor economy.

“The caravan site, recreational facilities, shop/café, reception and workshop will provide employment opportunities for local people in a range of roles.

“The camp site, recreational facilities and petting zoo will also bring visitors to the South Ribble area, providing a positive boost for local businesses.”