PLANS for a glamping retreat near Newtown have been approved by councillors – despite objections from the local council.
The application lodged by Mr P Woodbine, is for five pods, a log cabin and associated works at land next to Upper Cefnperfa House was backed by Powys County Council’s planning committee on Thursday, October 21.
According to documents lodged with the proposal. the target market for glampers would include people who have an interest in bird watching, yoga, meditation, rambling and walking nature trails.
In their report to the committee planning officers had recommended approving the application.
When the plans had originally been submitted, the proposal had been for 10 pods.
At a meeting in April, Kerry Community Council came out against the proposals.
Kerry county councillor, Kath Roberts-Jones spoke at the planning meeting, saying issues included over-development, loss of privacy, lack of detail on land drainage, car parking and fear of anti-social behaviour.
Cllr Roberts-Jones said: “It is open countryside and not related in any way to farm diversification.
“I’m not entirely sure what benefit if any this will be bringing to the local community as a whole.
“This is a very narrow lane with several properties and farming land which carries a large amount of traffic, in my view it should be refused on highways grounds alone.”
Attempts were made to contact the community council for comment, but these were unsuccessful.
Cllr Les George asked whether there was “confidence” that the passing bays which would be built as part of the proposal would be big enough for all vehicles including agricultural ones to pass each other on the road.
Simon Crew of the council’s highways department said they would.
Cllr Elwyn Vaughan said: “Having looked carefully at this proposal and in particular with the comments now from highways which were one of the main concerns of objectors, the reality is this is very similar to other sites.
“I can’t see any planning reasons for refusing this proposal and therefore I move we accept the officer’s recommendation.”
Cllr Martin Weale seconded his proposal.
Committee vice-chairman, Cllr Gareth Jones added: “I am somewhat concerned that the local community council have not been given the opportunity to speak today.
“That more than anything highlights the need to get back to the chamber as has been discussed in previous meetings.”
The vote was unanimously in favour of the proposal.
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