Chichester District Council has approved a planning application to transform a former watercress farm in West Ashling into a small-scale glamping site.
The decision permits the development of six glamping pods on the site known as Spring Gardens, which operated as Hairspring Watercress until 2023.
According to the submitted plans, the project will involve the removal of the site’s now-defunct concrete watercress beds, followed by landscaping and ecological restoration.
According to The Argus, the site has been described as “no longer agriculturally viable,” with the developers emphasizing the need for “high-quality tourist accommodation” in the area.
Planning officers reviewed the proposal and determined it aligns with the council’s broader economic and environmental objectives.
Their report stated: “The proposal would result in an appropriate low-key tourism use, which would make a small contribution towards the economic objectives of the district by increasing opportunities for overnight tourism accommodation.”
The application’s design and access statement suggested that the development will help “improve the rural economy by supporting tourism demand for provision of high-quality accommodation in the local area.”
Council officers concluded that the site is suitable for this type of tourism use and noted that it would not negatively affect the character of the countryside, highway safety, or neighbouring residents. They also reported that the development would result in a “biodiversity enhancement.”
The repurposing of agricultural or industrial land into accommodation-focused tourism ventures such as glamping has been increasingly common in the UK. This trend is often driven by declining agricultural viability and rising demand for unique lodging experiences.
For outdoor hospitality business owners, projects like Spring Gardens illustrate how defunct or underutilized land can be leveraged for new tourism-based revenue streams, particularly in regions with demonstrated visitor interest.
The approved West Ashling development reflects a broader strategy among local authorities to support rural tourism in ways that minimize environmental impact while contributing to the local economy.