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Plans for Glamping Site in Stockbury, UK Rejected

Councilors unanimously shut down plans for a glamping retreat in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The proposed glamping spot in Bimbury Lane, Stockbury, would have included a shepherd’s hut, four bell tents, three sleeping pods, a kitchen area, bar, tea room, showers, and parking.

The Maidstone Borough Council’s (MBC) planning committee members rejected the proposal, however, stating that the plans were “overdeveloped.”

Before the meeting, the Stockbury Parish Council said that the proposals were “intrusive to the countryside and would commercialize a residential property.”

During the committee meeting, Councilor Tony Harwood stated that “Eight holiday units are being proposed basically in a back garden, between two other back gardens.”

Councilor Malcolm Mckay added: “I am struck by the fact we call this glamping now, and it’s bell tents and shepherds huts and sleeping pods.

“If this were a proposal to put four caravans in a back garden, it wouldn’t have even got past the starting gates. But what’s the difference? Because conifers are shielding this? We are being made fools of, we really are.
“I don’t even know what a sleeping pod is, by the way. Is it a small room, is it just a cool name?”

“This is way over the top, and I think we are being hoodwinked.”

Plans for a glamping site in Stockbury, including a shepherd hut and bell tents, have been rejected Picture: Birchmere

Councilor Robert Eves said: “It’s far too many units being proposed in a small area. I don’t think it enhances the countryside.”

Prior to the meeting, MBC officers suggested that this project submitted by a certain Mrs. L Twitchett from Bimbury Lodge be approved, as long as certain contingencies are met to safeguard the countryside.

The Kent Downs AONB unit did not oppose but suggested conditions to control lighting on-site to preserve the area’s dark skies.

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Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: Plans for Glamping Site in Stockbury, UK Rejected! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/europe/united-kingdom/plans-for-glamping-site-in-stockbury-uk-rejected/