Introduction

Russell Smith Farms are assessing the potential redevelopment of the former Dernford Quarry at Stapleford to provide a community country park with camping and caravanning facilities in conjunction with the Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC).

The long-term vision for the site is to provide a new location for outdoor leisure and recreational activities, supported by a holiday accommodation scheme, all of which is to be sensitively landscaped and provide a new and enhanced habitat for local flora and fauna.

The Site

The site is located between the villages of Great Shelford and Stapleford to the north and Sawston to the south. The site is split into two distinct but relatively flat areas that can be accessed directly off the A1301/Cambridge Road with the Northern Area extending to 70 acres and the Southern Area extending to 48 acres.

Site Wide Vision

The Caravan and Motorhome Club, who operate the site at Cherry Hinton have expressed a strong interest in operating an additional site at Dernford Quarry.

Whilst the caravan park would form a key part of the proposal, there are other significant elements which need to be considered.

The indicative zoning plan here sets out the general vision for the site, which would predominately comprise publicly accessible space providing:

Zone A

Structural landscaping and woodland belts around the boundaries of both the Northern and Southern Areas comprising of:

Accessible multi-user pathways suitable for wheelchair users;
Native trees and shrubs (such as hawthorn, blackthorn, crack willow, guelder rose, dog wood, oak and field maple)

Zone B

Camping & caravanning area with toilet block, office/ reception incorporating renewables and recreational space extending to circa 6.5 hectares (16 acres)

Well spaced out with landscaping between pitches
Safari Tents that can be rented and removed during closed periods

Zone C

General facilities area comprising of a reception/office to manage on-site activities, changing rooms and storage for water-based activities, farm shop/ café with children’s play area extending

Zone D

A new designated wetland habitat area that would enhance existing suitable land to extend the habitat that at Dernford Fen SSSI and Area G

Zone E

A new managed area of reptile habitat landscaped and planted with appropriate scrub and wildflower grassland species

Zone F

Outdoor event space, extending to circa 11.8 hectares (29.15 acres) based around the 28 day permitted developments rule with various options:

Competitor camping for sporting events like triathlons and duathlons
Outdoor cinema
Food festivals

Zone F continued

There will be scope for a variety of ancillary sport and recreation facilities, which could include a bowling green, gym, sauna, tennis courts, all-weather courts (for football), farm shop and associated parking.