Pods plan for Bridgnorth boot camp

The 10-pod holiday park has been recommended for approval by Shropshire Council planning officers.

It is due to go before the authority’s south planning committee at a meeting on March 12.

The site currently has “bell tents” in place which are used, but bosses want these changed to glamping pods.

The camp site and an amenities block will be built on land at The Old Vicarage in Knowlesands, Bridgnorth, should councillors agree with the recommendation.

The plans have been lodged by Kirbycraft Ltd.

Emma Bailey, council planning officer, said: “This application seeks full planning consent for the change of use of land for residential, health and fitness training and outdoor activity courses, the siting of 10 glamping tents plus one staff tent, the formation of a car parking area and the conversion of building to an existing shower/WC block.

“The north-west of the site provides accommodation for visitors in the form of ‘glamping tents’, the central area of the site is the dwelling house known as The Old Vicarage, and the south-eastern area of the site is used for activities in connection with the outdoor recreational ‘boot camp’.

“It is understood that when the boot camp is in use, participants use the bell tents as overnight on-site accommodation.

“When the boot camp is not in use, the bell tents are marketed to the general public.

“It is pertinent to note that the agent has confirmed that a camping licence has been obtained from the Caravan and Motor Home Club in relation to this site.

“This is separate from the planning process and is governed by its own rules and regulations.”

However, the proposal has been objected to by Eardington Parish Council, which says it is “inappropriate for the area” and too visible from the nearby River Severn.

Bridgnorth’s branch of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) also objected on the grounds of their being too many glamping sites across the county which is “causing increasing harm to the environment.”