A planning inspector has granted approval for a permanent campsite at Bewl Water Reservoir near Wadhurst, following an appeal by Elite Leisure (Salomons UK Ltd).
The decision allows for an 80-pitch camping site to operate seasonally from April to September, formalizing a temporary arrangement that had been in place since November 2020.
Additionally, approval has been given for the installation of four yurts and a portable toilet on-site, according to a report by The Argus.
The ruling overturns a previous rejection by Wealden District Council, which had cited concerns about the site’s impact on the High Weald National Landscape and local wildlife.
However, the planning inspector determined that these concerns were not sufficient to prevent approval.
“The effect of the proposals on the landscape and scenic beauty of the High Weald National Landscape would be acceptable and wildlife interests would be conserved and the impact on biodiversity minimized,” the inspector stated.
The decision provides clarity for campsite operators regarding the development potential of outdoor accommodations in protected landscapes.
The inspector acknowledged a conflict with a neighborhood plan policy due to the site’s lack of direct promotion of water-based activities but found that the overall development plan supported the proposal.
Wealden District Council’s initial refusal reflected broader concerns about the site’s long-term trajectory.
Ward Councillor Johanna Howell expressed fears that the project could lead to “a Center Parcs type development” at Bewl Water, a concern shared by some local residents.
However, the inspector clarified that the decision should not be interpreted as a precedent for further expansion. “The outcomes of these appeals should not be regarded as a ‘stepping stone’ to any future developments,” the ruling stated.
The approval underscores the evolving regulatory landscape for outdoor hospitality businesses, particularly those seeking to establish or expand sites in protected areas.
While some local authorities may resist permanent campsites, this case highlights the potential for successful appeals when proposals align with broader development plans.
Operators in similar regions may find this decision instructive when navigating planning applications and addressing environmental concerns.
The permission also formalizes restrictions on the site’s operation, limiting its season to April through September, including the use of the yurts.
However, even without approval, temporary camping would still have been permitted for up to 28 days per year under existing planning laws.
For outdoor hospitality businesses, this case reinforces the importance of balancing development goals with environmental and regulatory considerations.
The decision suggests that well-supported proposals, even in sensitive landscapes, can secure approval if they demonstrate minimal ecological impact and align with broader policy objectives.
