CARAVANNERS from March have discovered the perfect weekend retreat is just five miles away . . . at Doddington. Not for them the hassles of the A47, A1, A14 or A17, for no sooner have they hitched up their caravans, minutes later they are pulling into a c

CARAVANNERS from March have discovered the perfect weekend retreat is just five miles away . . . at Doddington.

Not for them the hassles of the A47, A1, A14 or A17, for no sooner have they hitched up their caravans, minutes later they are pulling into a camp site up the road.

"It is clear that the on-site fishing is a big attraction," says John Bailey.

Mr Bailey has compiled the report for the Boughton farming family, who hope to expand their touring caravan site at Field End House, Benwick Road, Doddington to cater for an extra 33 pitches.

The family also hope to build two log cabins on site, with a reception area, shop and café.

"The existing site is set in a quiet and secluded half-acre of land with hedges and woodland on three sides, with the open side overlooking the new lake and uninterrupted views of the Fens," says Mr Bailey in his report to Fenland District Council.

"Caravanners are coming from as close as March for weekend stays, for example after work on a Friday night, to people from as far away as Scotland for longer two-week breaks.

"It is clear the vicinity is much more of a tourist area than perhaps first appreciated."

The application is now before Fenland Council and Mr Bailey's Arable Group from Norfolk has prepared the design and access statement.

Mr Bailey says income from the caravan site to date has "far exceeded the budgets we prepared in September 2002 and many people are being turned away".

He says the farm has successfully diversified in recent years, putting in place wind turbines and a successful horse livery venture.

Now, the family believe, the "combination of caravanning and fishing seems to be an absolute winner and very popular with both couples and families alike".