A legal challenge by Wadhurst Parish Council against a seasonal camping development at Bewl Water has been dismissed by the High Court, allowing plans for an 80-pitch campsite and four yurts to proceed.
The ruling, delivered by Mr Justice Mould, upholds a previous decision made by a planning inspector in favor of the development, which will take place at a scenic reservoir located near Tunbridge Wells in Kent.
The parish council filed the judicial review in response to the planning inspector’s decision, arguing that the introduction of the seasonal camping operation represented “inappropriate development” within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The court’s decision was handed down after assessing the inspector’s rationale, which concluded that the effects on the landscape would be “limited” due to the development’s scale, seasonal operation, and visual enclosure provided by surrounding woodland.
Mr Justice Mould stated that the inspector had accounted for local objections and concerns about setting a precedent, but found that “permission should not be taken as setting a precedent for further tourism-related uses.”
He added that “the appeal sites are not pristine countryside,” and that the camping facilities “would be seen in the context of other buildings and uses which form part of the visitor attraction at Bewl Water.” He also noted that “neither the camping site nor the yurts would be visible in long-distance views.”
Bewl Water, a reservoir built in the 1970s and owned by Southern Water, provides drinking water for Kent and East Sussex and welcomes over 140,000 visitors each year. The area is publicly accessible and serves a variety of recreational uses.
According to KentLive, Wadhurst Parish Council opposed the plans, citing community opposition and concerns over the loss of publicly accessible open space.
The council stated the campsite would amount to a “permanent” development with “tents, motorhomes and campervans” occupying land previously used for public recreation. A petition opposing the project was signed by 80,805 individuals.
“This development converts publicly accessible open space for private use of tents, motorhomes, and yurts, and breaks the historic link for land used to promote best use of water-based activities,” the council said in a statement following the decision.
Council chair Serena Gadd added:
“We are obviously very disappointed by the court’s decision. The decision to bring legal proceedings was not taken lightly, and I would like to take the opportunity on behalf of the parish council to express our sincere gratitude to the large number of residents who strongly supported the action taken by the parish council.”
”The parish council will continue to do everything within its power to seek to protect the wildlife, natural beauty and water-based recreational facilities of Bewl Water.”
The High Court also noted that specific conditions were attached to the planning permission, including adherence to a noise management plan and lighting scheme, to ensure the conservation of the AONB’s character.
These restrictions could be of operational interest to outdoor hospitality providers considering similar developments in sensitive or protected landscapes.
The case highlights the legal scrutiny applied to tourism projects in designated landscapes, underscoring the importance of thoughtful planning and proactive community engagement for businesses in the glamping and camping sectors.