We have successfully secured retrospective planning consent for a beautiful shepherd’s hut with outdoor bathing facilities – conserving a truly unique glamping experience in the breathtaking setting of the High Weald AONB and within Grade I registered parkland.
Ashdown Forest SAC
We first started on this project back in 2018, following an enforcement investigation on the site. We liaised with the enforcement team and proposed a planning strategy to regularise the planning position. The lengthy delay to a determination was due to the site’s proximity to Ashdown Forest, designated as an SAC and SPA in 2017. At the time there was no mitigation available for units of tourist accommodation within 7km of the Ashdown Forest. There were subsequent discussions with regard to the need and amount of mitigation required and progress was halted to await the outcome of discussions with Natural England. The situation has now been resolved via S106.
It’s all about the planning balance
Which this project certainly was […] – on the one hand the site was challenging given its sensitive setting, proximity to Ashdown Forest and its location outside any defined settlement boundary. But on the other hand, national policy supports economic growth in rural areas and rural tourism developments which respect the character of the countryside. Furthermore, local policy noted the importance of tourism to the District’s economy and its role in supporting the enhancement of local services and the regeneration of rural areas.
As part of our planning application to regularise the planning position and secure the future of this truly original glamping experience, we evidenced how the current setup would not represent over intensification of the site; that the modest nature of the development would ensure that the tourism facilities remained unobtrusive to their immediate surroundings and that its location meant there was plenty of opportunity for sightseeing on foot or on bicycle.
Furthermore, it was beautifully designed, providing a high quality and unique tourist experience. The rustic hut design and associated outbuilding and outdoor bathing facilities had been designed to successfully visually integrate with the woodland setting. The site was also shielded from public vantage points and even in winter couldn’t be seen from any of the nearby listed buildings.
We supported our application with a number of 3rd party reports, pulling together a project team which covered everything from rural context, ecology, woodland and wildlife management.
We were so pleased that the local authority agreed with our arguments in defence of the site and that given its current location and small-scale operation, they did not consider that the development would have an adverse effect (significant or otherwise) on the conservation interests of Ashdown Forest SAC or SPA. Furthermore, it was agreed that on balance, the proposal was in accordance with both national and local planning policies.
We worked effectively and proactively across both the enforcement and planning departments at Wealden Council and are grateful to them for their pragmatism. The result is that a successful and small-scale rural tourism business can continue to operate, providing a tranquil escape for visitors and supporting the local economy in the process.
About us
We are Plainview Planning – a solutions orientated, experienced and knowledgeable team of planning consultants. If you need professional and informed planning support with your development project, then contact our team via enquiries@plainview.co.uk, to see how we can best assist you, providing the site address and a brief overview of your project. You can also submit your site via our Landmark Page. We value your privacy and any information which you provide will not be shared outside of our company and will only be used in relation to your enquiry.