Refusal of glamping site plan at Shropshire beauty spot

Shropshire Council’s south planning committee voted to reject the “low energy sustainable glamping site” at Jenny Knoll, Woodside, at a meeting held at Shirehall.

Council officers recommended approval for the plans for six yurts – portable round tents – an amenity block and parking area to be provided as tourist accommodation, which Clun Town Council objected to, saying the location is not appropriate.

There have also been 11 objections from people who were concerned the site would be unsupervised and have a negative impact on a spot within the Shropshire Hills area of outstanding natural beauty.

Shropshire Council officer Vincent Maher said: “The area is very well screened so we believe it will protect the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

“Officers have looked very carefully at highways safety, the highways authority does not oppose the application.”

“The applicant has agreed to not start the work until the road leading to the site is done to the satisfaction of councillors.”

Resident Helen Law said the site’s tranquillity would be shattered. She said: “I’m speaking on behalf of local objectors who agree with the town council’s concern, it would not maintain the landscape or the area of tranquillity. “

“The site’s tranquillity would be shattered.”

Jack Limond, town councillor for Clun, said: “Clun council maintains the problem of parking and traffic, there will be excess traffic on the road, people won’t be walking as the climb is almost vertical.

“Guests will not be able to summon help in cases of problems.

“There’s a high level of local objectors, nearly all residents of Woodside turned up to the town council meeting to object.”

Agent Nick Williams defended the application saying it would benefit the local economy.

He said: “This additional accommodation would benefit the local economy. The yurts are designed to blend in with the surroundings.

“The scheme will be well maintained and no dogs will be allowed as there is livestock on the site.

“This is a well-designed policy-compliant scheme. The advice we received was positive and as such an application was pursued.”

Shropshire Councillor Nigel Hartin said: “Despite the fact that our traffic departments are saying there are no issues, I would disagree. The roads are very narrow and it would increase traffic. I would encourage the committee to reject this application.”

Shropshire Councillor Andy Boddington said: “This site is very remote. It’s particularly rocky with difficult roads.

“I don’t think it fits very well, people will be going up and down in cars, both in the evening and during the day.

“It can be incredibly difficult to get signal there, and I do have concerns about the sorts of people this might attract. It’s not those who enjoy back packing, it’s people who want the comfort of a hotel. I don’t think it works for Clun.”

Councillors voted to reject the plans as it is not an appropriate development within the AONB.