Fenside Caravan Park, situated on Puddock Road near Warboys, had its expansion proposal rejected by the council. The plan included six shepherd’s huts, eight static caravans, and three touring caravan pitches. The council raised concerns about the potential impact of these “luxurious glamping huts” on the countryside.
The park, which currently has 16 touring caravan pitches, aimed to diversify its offerings and extend its operational season to 11 months annually.
According to an article published by The Hunts Post on May 20, the proposal submitted to the Huntingdonshire District Council outlined plans to enhance and diversify the park’s existing camping options. The owners emphasized the benefits of luxurious glamping huts and improved caravan facilities.
“Together with extended seasonal opening times, it will provide improved overnight accommodation and encourage visitors to extend their experience in the district beyond a day trip,” the application indicates.
However, the district council refused the application, citing concerns over the impact on the countryside. The council decided that introducing permanent structures would create “dense, incongruous and intrusive hard edges.”
Planning officers stated that insufficient information was provided to justify why the shepherd’s huts and caravans needed to be situated in this rural area instead of closer to towns or villages. The council’s refusal also stemmed from a lack of evidence demonstrating demand for these holiday rentals in the area.
“The proposal does not evidence a demand to expand the existing touring caravan site in this location to demonstrate long-term business viability. Nor has the application demonstrated robust operational or sustainability reasons why the development needs to be in the countryside,” the planning officers explained.
Fenside’s experience underscores the importance of thorough planning when proposing expansions. The Huntingdonshire District Council’s rejection highlights the need for glamping developers to provide comprehensive justifications for rural locations and demonstrate clear demand for their proposed facilities. Conducting detailed market research and presenting operational and sustainability plans can potentially help secure project approvals.
