Planning row camper pods near Shrewsbury allowed to stay

The seven pods at Abel's Harp in Minsterley, were built without planning permission and have caused a storm of opposition from neighbours.

But after a retrospective planning application, Shropshire Council planning officers have given the build permission to remain on site.

The pods have caused concern among residents and members of Worthern with Shelve Parish Council.

The council objected to the retrospective application claiming it "adversely affects the natural, built and historic environment".

It added that the development will add "considerable additional traffic" to what it says is a busy junction of narrow country lanes.

Members also said that the noise from the pods could be unacceptable and that it could cause light pollution to the neighbouring properties.

The scheme also received eight separate objections from residents concerned that there had been no discussion with neighbours. They expressed anger that development had been completed without planning permission.

In his report, Shropshire Council planning officer Tim Rogers said concerns had been raised that there was "no additional economic value to the area or benefit to rural tourism" and that pods positioned closely together may pose a fire risk.

He added that fears of "increased noise and disturbance" would result from the scheme. But despite the objections, Mr Rogers said the pods could remain on site.

He said: "The development is acceptable in principle since it is within a designated cluster settlement, would complement the established public house and bed and breakfast business, and complies with the legal definition of a caravan. Although the pods are domestic in design and their tight spacing appears rather regimented, they are generally well screened within the landscape with the exception of their southern aspect – which can be addressed through a landscaping condition.

"Public concerns over noise, drainage and highway safety in particular are acknowledged, but the scheme's impacts in these respects are not expected to be significant and could in any event be addressed through other legislation."

Over the last year, a number of sites across the county have put forward plans to build the camping pods in a bid to expand.

The Station Inn at Marshbrook already has six wooden camping pods and soon hopes to build a number of luxury log cabins. Meanwhile, Colemere Caravan Park near Ellesmere put forward a scheme including two pods alongside caravan and tent pitches for land at its current site.