A proposed glamping site near Abergavenny has been formally denied planning permission following a Monmouthshire County Council decision in August.
The application, which included plans for four shepherd huts, four bell tents, upgrades to an alpaca shelter, and the addition of guest washing facilities at Swallow Nest on Parc Llettis Road in Hardwick, was initially recommended for approval by planning officers.
However, councillors voted against the recommendation at a meeting in July, citing concerns over noise, traffic, and local disruption.
The site, which already hosts two shepherd huts used for glamping and a herd of alpacas, drew 15 public objections during the application process.
In response, a planning report was prepared for the council’s August meeting outlining two primary reasons for refusal. Planning officer Philip Thomas stated the proposal was inconsistent with Monmouthshire’s planning policies, particularly in terms of scale and layout.
He noted that “the associated activity by users of the site would give rise to unacceptable noise disturbance to nearby residents who currently live in and benefit from a relatively tranquil location.”
The bell tents, in particular, were considered problematic due to their proximity to residential properties and their lack of sound insulation.
Traffic impacts were also a significant factor. The council concluded that increased vehicle use along the narrow rural lane leading to the site would “significantly inconvenience existing road users and cause harm to local amenity.”
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding how wastewater from hot tubs next to each shepherd hut would be managed between guest stays.
During the initial July meeting, Chepstow Labour councillor Dale Rooke argued that the setup could negatively affect neighbors, stating, “Tents are naturally not soundproofe, so any shenanigans going on inside will be heard in the wider vicinity.”
According to the South Wales Argus, the planning committee formally rejected the application during its August session, aligning with the planning department’s updated recommendation.
The decision underscores the growing scrutiny local authorities apply when weighing rural tourism developments against residential concerns.
For outdoor hospitality operators, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of early engagement with neighboring communities, transparency in operational plans, and thoughtful site design that takes local sensitivities into account.
Issues like proximity to residents, potential noise levels, infrastructure capacity, and waste management are recurring themes in glamping-related planning reviews and can determine the success or failure of an application.