Plans for a small-scale glamping site on farmland in Suffolk have been approved despite opposition from local stakeholders.
East Suffolk Council granted permission under delegated powers last week for the development at Woodstock Farm, Mutford Wood in Mutford, situated between Lowestoft and Beccles.
The application, lodged in April by agents JA Architecture on behalf of applicant Elizabeth Burrell, sought to establish a seasonal holiday site on 0.45 hectares of land previously used for grazing horses.
The development will include two bell tents, a glamping pod, and the conversion of an existing stable block to provide two WCs and a kitchen. Parking for up to five vehicles is also included in the approved plans.
According to submitted documents, “It is envisaged that the tents and pod will provide a valuable holiday resource, enjoying the rural character of the area.”
The bell tents are intended to accommodate four guests in total, while the glamping pod will provide space for two. The bell tents will be dismantled at the end of each season, while the pod and stable conversion will remain year-round.
Objections were raised by Mutford Parish Council and six residents who voiced concerns about potential impacts. However, the council’s case officer concluded that the proposal’s “small scale and low-key nature” would not significantly affect rural or neighboring amenity, particularly regarding noise.
The officer’s report stated: “The campsite would be located in a field, formerly a paddock, located to the front of the site.”
East Suffolk Council ultimately determined that while “some increased activity” from tourist use was expected, the development would not lead to adverse effects. Permission was granted with conditions in a decision notice issued to the applicant’s agents, according to The Lowestoft Journal.
For outdoor hospitality professionals, the approval illustrates how small-scale glamping developments are being considered viable uses of agricultural land.
The decision also highlights the importance of balancing local concerns with opportunities for rural diversification, particularly as councils weigh the potential for seasonal tourism against community impact.
Operators considering similar projects may view this case as an example of how modest proposals with limited infrastructure can gain approval in rural settings.