Forestry England has withdrawn proposals for three temporary mobile glamping cabins at Bouldnor Forest on the Isle of Wight, according to Shalfleet Parish Council (SPC), following a campaign by local residents and concerns about the potential environmental and planning implications of the project.
The proposal was developed by Forestry England in partnership with Unyoked and would have introduced three mobile glamping cabins at the forest site. Forestry England had previously described the accommodation as “low-impact” and said the project would support conservation while providing visitors with opportunities to connect with nature.
The proposal became the subject of opposition from residents, who raised concerns about potential impacts on wildlife, fire risk and the possibility that the development could lead to additional forest-based accommodation projects on the Isle of Wight and elsewhere in England.
SPC told the Country Press that the dispute also centered on the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960, legislation that includes exemptions relating to certain caravan sites. The parish council said the exemption at issue was originally intended for small touring caravan clubs and alleged that Forestry England and Unyoked sought to rely on it to proceed without conventional planning permission, environmental assessment and public consultation.
The council’s position highlights an issue that may be relevant to outdoor hospitality operators and developers considering temporary accommodation in rural or environmentally sensitive areas: whether a project falls within a statutory exemption can affect the planning and consultation requirements that apply before accommodation is introduced. The circumstances and interpretation of such exemptions are site- and proposal-specific, making early review of applicable planning and environmental requirements important for businesses considering similar models.
Local councillor Jonathan Hill welcomed the withdrawal while also arguing that the broader issue remains unresolved.
“Stopping the Bouldnor proposal shows what local people can achieve when they work together. But the wider fight is only beginning.
“Forestry England’s withdrawal does not prevent similar proposals elsewhere on the Isle of Wight or across England. The caravan exemption loophole must be closed, Natural England’s oversight failures must be addressed, and DEFRA must ensure that public bodies cannot use a 66-year-old statute to bypass planning in sensitive landscapes.”
SPC said it intends to continue working with local councillors, residents, environmental experts and national bodies on the protection of habitats, species and landscapes. The parish council has also called for changes to the use of the caravan exemption and greater oversight of proposals involving environmentally sensitive locations.
The withdrawal means the three proposed cabins at Bouldnor Forest will not proceed under the proposal described by SPC. Forestry England had been approached for comment on the withdrawal and the concerns raised by the parish council.
