FEARS over children becoming homeless were raised as planning chiefs made a decision on proposals for a Rixton caravan park used as an 'unauthorised' permanent residential site.

The development management committee approved Fury Developments Ltd's proposals to retain the use of Holly Bank Caravan Park, on Manchester Road, for siting touring caravan pitches at its meeting on Wednesday.

The application site relates to a parcel of land within the existing caravan site, which is located on the northern boundary and in the green belt.

It has been 'assumed' by the agent that, of the 121 caravans on site, 100 caravans have been occupied by people living on the land for more than 11 years.

However, the use of the site for permanent residential caravans on the site does not benefit from planning permission and is considered to be 'unauthorised'.

The committee's decision will allow for the permanent retention of 21 touring caravans, associated infrastructure and landscaping.

Fury Developments was also bidding to remove a condition, in order to lift the restriction on a parcel of land on the southern side of the park.

The use of the site by touring caravans already allows for vehicles to be on the site throughout a 12-month period, however, it does not permit any individual caravan to remain there for more than 28 days.

The firm was seeking to lift the restriction to allow touring caravans to remain there even when not occupied.

But Rixton with Glazebrook Parish Council, which objected, has been concerned that lifting the limit would mean it 'would become a permanent residential site'.

Parish council chairman David Trenbath said: "I also want to make a personal representation as a resident.

"As there has been an ongoing breach of planning conditions since 2009, I don't understand why the borough council can accept the application, they must conform to regulations."

Application agent Graham Salisbury labelled Holly Bank Caravan Park as 'well established'.

He said: "It has been operating since the 1970s – there has been significant investment resulting in what is now a tidy and well-run business.

"The site employs eight full-time staff."

Serious fears were raised over the accommodation of those living on the land, if conditions were changed.

But the council's legal team said members 'must look' at the application from a planning perspective, regardless of 'concerns about the impact on permanent residents'.

Cllr Joan Grime (LAB – Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft) said: "I am finding it very unsatisfactory to pass an application that we know will be flouted.

"People are living there, where else will they go?

"It seems to be to be a better idea to defer the application and sort out just what is happening and to set up a situation where people are going to be in a feasible situation.

"And so we are not passing something that would mean they have nowhere to go and, perhaps, children made homeless."

Cllr Peter Carey (LAB – Fairfield and Howley) added: "The fact that people have been living there for 10 years, for me, we have to recognise that.

"Touring holiday caravans would be real benefit to the area, if marketed as such."

The committee deferred a decision over the proposed removal of the condition 'for a further discussion' on the issues.

Companies House lists boxer Tyson Fury's aunt, Maureen Fury, as an active director of Fury Developments Ltd.

And it lists Tyson’s uncle, Peter Fury, as a former director of the company.

Maureen and boxing trainer Peter are the parents of Tyson’s cousin, Hughie.