A proposal to establish a glamping pod, timber decking area, and parking space in a field in Hepworth, a village in West Suffolk, has received approval from the local council.
The application, submitted in March of last year, aimed to change the use of an existing agricultural plot on Church Lane to accommodate the installation of a single glamping pod.
The plans, presented by applicants Mr. and Mrs. Paul Betts, outlined the construction of a 30m² pod, featuring a small kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living area.
The pod would be placed on a timber decking area and would be accessible via a grass pedestrian pathway. A parking area is also included in the proposal.
According to a report by the East Anglian Daily Times, the site is currently agricultural land, situated just north of the Grade II* listed St. Peters Church and the Grade II listed War Memorial.
Despite this, Hepworth Parish Council raised objections to the plans, expressing concerns that the development could negatively affect the church, the churchyard, and the area’s current openness.
Further objections were submitted by five neighboring residents during the consultation and re-consultation periods.
Their concerns included the potential impact on the visual character and appearance of the area, the effect on nearby listed buildings, and issues related to lighting, noise, and increased traffic. Some also voiced concerns that approving the proposal could set a future precedent for similar developments.
Despite these objections, West Suffolk Council planners determined that the proposal was in line with local planning policies. The officer delegate report stated that the glamping pod’s modest, single-story design was appropriate for the site’s context.
Additionally, the report indicated that, given the pod’s distance from the public domain and residential properties, it was unlikely to cause significant disruptions in terms of noise or other environmental impacts.
The proposal was officially approved on Christmas Eve, allowing the applicants to proceed with their plans.
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