Proposal to build a glamping site on farmland located in Aldham (United Kingdom) has been denied after the council decided there wouldn’t be any overriding public benefits.
According to a report, a request to change usage to allow four wooden glamping pods on Tey Road in Aldham was filed in January.
The area is used to cultivate alpacas, sheep, and rare breeds of poultry.
Plans were put forward in response to challenges in the farming sector, which meant that the size of operations had largely reduced.
The planning statement revealed that the proposed development site is a tranquil rural enclave located in Colchester Borough.
The planning statement read that the proposed concept is to provide visitors with a picturesque luxury retreat away from the buzz of the urban environment, surrounded by farm animals and patchwork landscapes.
The statement added that with the low density of the proposal of just four small holiday units, the site would offer a private sanctuary for overnight stays in the district, with the benefits of the center of Aldham just ten minutes walking distance.
“The proposed development will offer luxury accommodation for people who enjoy outdoor leisure pursuits and the serenity of a countryside getaway with a marvelous view.”
However, Colchester Council has now rejected the plans.
The notice of refusal stated that the plan would not result in any overriding public benefits.
The proposal for the alteration of the usage of the land would fail to conserve the rural character of the area through the loss of part of the characteristic of the agricultural field.
There is also a potential for adverse effects on tranquility through increased activities due to increased traffic movement both on and off the highway, the installation of hard-surfaced access roads and parking areas, and a failure to adjust to the historic settlement pattern.
The report added that as far as can be determined from the submitted plans, the proposal fails to provide a reasonable degree of intervisibility between users of the access and those already within the highway, which will constitute a danger to pedestrians and motorists contrary to highway safety.
The reason that was cited for the refusal stems from a tree on-site, as the plans have not been supported by a tree constraint plan or an Arboricultural Impact Assessment.
This story originally appeared on Gazette News UK.
Wouldn’t it be neat to rethink that glamping proposal in Aldham? Imagine going eco-friendly with off-grid energy and community partnerships. It might have swayed the council’s decision!