Fears over Bridgnorth riverside glamping site
Plans for a glamping site at a fitness boot camp have been thrown out – because councillors were worried about its location close to the River Severn.
The 10-pod holiday park in Bridgnorth had been recommended for approval by Shropshire Council planning officers.
It went before the authority’s south planning committee, where members expressed concerns that people could be in danger.
The site currently has ‘bell tents’ in place but bosses wanted these changed to glamping pods.
Councillor David Turner, vice chairman of the planning committee, said: “I am terrified at the thought of someone waking up in the night and being disoriented and walking the wrong way so close to the river.”
Councillor Madge Shineton, for Cleobury Mortimer, added: “I cannot support it. I am horrified by the thought of someone coming to harm by accident and I am horrified by the leylandii hedge nearby.”
Councillor Cecilia Motley, for Corvedale, added: “I thought glamping meant glamorous camping. This is more boot camp camping.”
The camp site and an amenities block would have been built on land at The Old Vicarage in Knowlesands, Bridgnorth. The plans were lodged by Kirbycraft Ltd.
Application
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 was 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”.
By Andrew Morris, Local Democracy Reporter
