A North Craven campsite will continue operating after its owner won a planning appeal.

In May, councillors rejected proposals to turn a field at Docklands, Thornton-in-Lonsdale, into a formal campsite. A toilet block had already been constructed at the site, but permission for this was also refused.

However, Docklands Campsite owner Alan Pitts lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate and following a hearing Craven District Council’s decision was overturned last week.

Inspector Victor Crumley said: “The council refused the proposals for toilets and a maintenance building only because it found the principle of the campsite unacceptable. It was confirmed at the hearing that if the proposal for a campsite succeeded, the council would not oppose these ancillary service buildings. I consider their location, design and relationship to the landscaping scheme to be acceptable, and have no reason to take a different view.”

Mr Pitts said the site had long been used for camping, and he bought the land on that basis. He said the addition of a toilet block was essential to his plans to improve his service to campers.

Mr Pitts can now regularise use of the site with its change of use to a campsite including six yurts, four timber-clad units and 25 tent pitches. The site can also now include space for five motor homes and associated access.

Ward councillor David Ireton had previously told the district council’s planning committee that he was staggered by the recommendation to approve the scheme.

He said walkers on the fells and on Ingleborough would have a clear view of the site and added he failed to see how it could be adequately screened. He described the toilet block as a “shed”.

But Mr Pitts said he had support from local residents. “All the people I have spoken to have been in favour of it,” he said.

“I am pleased with the decision because I can get on with upgrading the site and running it more effectively for campers. Now I can at least make the money back that I invested in the site.

“I purchased the land on the basis that it was a campsite and I’d never have been able to recoup that investment if I’d not been able to run it as that.”

Permission was granted with a number of conditions. The yurts must be dismantled and stored during the close season, and a landscaping scheme must be carried out.