A proposal to convert part of a campsite near the Isle of Wight village of Calbourne into glamping accommodation is now subject to appeal following its rejection earlier this year.
In April, the Isle of Wight Council refused an application from Mike and Sean Fursse-Smith to install three self-contained glamping pods at Mill Heights Campsite, located northwest of the village.
The plans involved converting shipping containers into accommodation units and included supporting infrastructure such as a reception area, bike store, bin store, parking, and landscaping.
The council’s decision cited several concerns. According to the decision report, the development was deemed “unsustainable” and “reliant upon access by the private car.”
According to On The Wight, additional issues included potential “urbanising visual impact,” “inadequate and deficient” information provided in the application, and ecological concerns.
In response, the applicants have lodged an appeal (25/00033/REF).
An appeal statement prepared by Phil Salmon Planning described the proposed project as “a high-quality visitor destination, on a boutique scale, that is a step up from the current camping site (caravan, campers, and tents) use of the site.”
The statement also argued that the project would reduce visual impact.
“The scheme will have a far less visual impact compared to the more random positioning of caravans, tents, and camper vans. Rather than having an urbanising effect, the appeal scheme will blend into the natural and rural character of the landscape.”
To address environmental concerns, the appellants have provided updated supporting documents.
“The appeal is submitted with an updated and revised Preliminary Ecological Appraisal, a light spillage report, and revised elevations.
This is as a consequence of discussions with the council’s ecology officer as a means to find a positive way forward in overcoming the reason for refusal based on ecology.”
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality and glamping sectors, the case highlights the importance of planning considerations when seeking to diversify or upgrade facilities.
Issues such as transport reliance, ecological impact, and visual integration into the surrounding landscape can weigh heavily in local authority decisions.
The appeal process underscores the need for thorough environmental assessments and design adjustments to align with planning expectations, especially as glamping continues to emerge as a premium alternative to traditional camping.