A proposal to develop 41 caravan lodges at the Forest and Wye Valley Caravan and Campsite in St Briavels has been rejected on appeal, with a planning inspector ruling that the project’s impact on the Wye Valley’s character outweighed its potential economic benefits.
The plan, which sought to reduce the existing number of caravan and glamping pitches from 60, was initially denied by the Forest Council’s development control committee in April last year, despite a recommendation for approval from planning officers.
The applicant, Mr. Smith, had argued that the lodges would be “a high quality and attractive development of holiday accommodation which will assimilate well with its woodland and National Landscape setting.”
He also emphasized the project’s potential to make a “tangible” contribution to the local economy, according to a report by the Monmouthshire Beacon.
However, the planning inspector, O Marigold, noted that although the lodges met the legal definition of a caravan, “the design, size and solid materials of the lodges would be clearly distinguishable from touring caravans or tents.”
A key concern in the decision was the potential for an “urbanizing effect,” with the inspector highlighting that additional lighting and a more built-up presence would conflict with the rural landscape.
The lodges were also expected to have longer occupancy periods compared to the current mix of accommodations, despite a potentially lower number of guests at any given time.
The case underscores the challenges outdoor hospitality operators face when seeking to expand or upgrade accommodations, particularly in protected landscapes.
While premium lodges can attract year-round visitors and contribute to local economies, developments in sensitive areas must align with environmental and planning considerations.
Although the lodge proposal was rejected, the site has secured approval for an alternative development featuring glamping pods, yurts, and tipis at Bearse Common.
This approval suggests that diversification within the outdoor hospitality sector remains possible when projects are carefully designed to meet both market demands and planning requirements.
An application for costs against the council was also denied.