Plans to expand a Derbyshire countryside campsite with four new glamping pods were rejected by the Derbyshire Dales District Council during a meeting on May 13, following concerns about potential noise and visual impact on nearby residents.
The proposed development, submitted by Barry Britland for the Racecourse Retreat site located off Hey Lane, approximately a mile from Wirksworth, was turned down despite arguments highlighting its potential benefits to local agritourism and rural economic sustainability.
According to a report by Derbyshire Live, the application followed a previously denied proposal in 2022 for six pods on the same site.
Although the land already holds lawful use as a campsite, planning officials recommended refusal, citing the site’s elevated location above nearby homes and its visibility from surrounding properties.
Local resident Vanessa Dewhirst, whose home is closest to the proposed site, expressed strong opposition during the council meeting, stating:
“This development will have a disproportionate and detrimental impact on my property, the hamlet as a whole, and on the wider landscape.” Dewhirst raised concerns about privacy, noise, and light exposure, echoing broader concerns voiced by other residents.
Neil Thompson, another nearby resident, described the proposal as an “ongoing caravan expansion scheme” and noted that the quiet character of the area meant even subdued conversations could be heard from hundreds of meters away.
“Noise and tranquillity issues” were among the main objections raised.
Supporters of the development, including Cllr Jason Farmer, chairman of Darley Dale Town Council, emphasized the importance of farmland diversification, especially as rural communities look to maintain economic viability.
“Diversification of farmland is essential to farmers,” said Farmer, calling the plans a “sustainable way to keep this farming family in this location.”
Alex Bramley, head teacher of Marsh Lane Primary School, defended the project’s focus on rural engagement, mental health, and heritage preservation.
He noted the potential for increased foot traffic into Wirksworth and the availability of transport services like bike hire and an on-demand bus system.
“Our glamping pods aim to attract visitors seeking a back-to-nature experience on a working farm,” Bramley said. “We believe that immersing in our beautiful, rural landscape can significantly uplift mental health.”
Teresa Critchlow, the applicant’s agent, pointed out that a permanent agricultural dwelling on the same plot had recently received approval, arguing that the glamping site’s location should not be considered unsustainable.
She noted that efforts had been made to reduce the development’s visibility, with two pods partially dug into the hillside and two others set within a natural depression.
Critchlow also underscored the economic value of rural tourism.
“The proposed development would provide a much-needed, low-key tourist enterprise that would help support the smallholding and the wider community village facilities through increased area spending and footfall,” she said.
Council members expressed mixed views. While some acknowledged the pressures facing farming families and the role tourism can play in supplementing farm income, others were wary of setting a precedent that could lead to future developments impacting the rural character of the region.
Cllr Robert Archer voiced concerns about the potential challenges of regulating outdoor activities like hot tubs. Cllr Peter Slack questioned whether rejecting such developments might drive up demand for holiday cottages instead.
For outdoor hospitality professionals, this case reflects the ongoing balancing act between preserving local character and meeting growing demand for nature-based accommodations.
Operators looking to expand should ensure that planning applications are accompanied by detailed business cases, visual mitigation strategies, and clear explanations of how the development supports local economic and tourism goals.