A campsite at Bewl Water has been granted permanent planning permission following a decision by a planning inspector.
The ruling, issued on January 13, permits the continued operation of an 80-pitch campsite on the shores of the Bewl Water Reservoir near Wadhurst, alongside the installation of four yurts and a portable toilet.
The application was submitted by Elite Leisure (Salomons UK Ltd) to formalize a temporary permission granted in November 2020, which allowed the campsite to operate for three years.
Despite planning officers recommending approval, Wealden District Council rejected the proposals in March last year, citing concerns over potential impacts on the High Weald National Landscape and local wildlife.
In overturning the council’s decision, the inspector stated that the proposals align with the broader development plan and would not harm the scenic beauty of the area.
“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 wrote.
According to a report by Sussex Express, the decision also addressed concerns raised by ward councilor Johanna Howell and local objectors, who feared the development might pave the way for a “Center Parcs type development” at Bewl Water.
The inspector emphasized that this approval should not be seen as a precedent for further developments. “The outcomes of these appeals should not be regarded as a ‘stepping stone’ to any future developments,” the decision noted.
The approved campsite is allowed to operate seasonally from April to September, a limitation that also applies to the yurts.
The inspector highlighted that a refusal would not have prevented camping on the site entirely, as planning laws allow temporary use of land for camping for up to 28 days annually without permission.
This provision was utilized before the temporary approval in 2020.Further details on the application are available under reference WD/2023/1895/MAJ on the Wealden District Council website.
