A refused bid to turn a campsite near an Isle of Wight village into ‘upmarket and high-end’ glamping accommodation has gone to appeal (25/00033/REF).
In April, planners rejected Mike and Sean Fursse-Smith’s application to install three self-contained glamping pods converted from shipping containers at Mill Heights Campsite to the northwest of Calbourne.
The proposal also included a reception and bike store, bin store, parking and landscaping.
IWC: Proposed development was ‘unsustainable’
County Hall’s decision report said the proposed development was ‘unsustainable’ and ‘reliant upon access by the private car’.
Other issues cited included it resulting in an ‘urbanising visual impact’, ‘inadequate and deficient’ submitted information and ecological concerns.
“Scheme will have a far less visual impact compared to more random positioning of caravans, tents and camper vans”
An Appeal Statement from Phil Salmon Planning says,
“The aim is for a high-quality visitor destination, on a boutique scale, that is a step up from the current camping site (caravan, campers and tents) use of the site.
“The scheme will have a far less visual impact compared to the more random positioning of caravans, tents and camper vans.
“Rather than having an urbanising effect, the appeal scheme will blend into the natural and rural character of the landscape.
“The appeal is submitted with an updated and revised Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, a light spillage report and revised elevations.
“This is as a consequence of discussions with the council’s ecology officer as a means to find a positive way forward in overcoming the reason for refusal based on ecology.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
