A campsite next to a reservoir which councillors feared could lead to a Center Parcs development can stay, a planning inspector ruled this week.
Wealden District Council’s planning committee refused permanent permission for the campsite to stay on the the shores of the Bewl Water Reservoir near Wadhurst in March last year – against the advice of officers.
On Monday, inspector David Smith overruled them, saying the impact on the landscape and wildlife is acceptable.
Elite Leisure (Salomons UK Ltd), had also applied for permission to erect four yurts and a portable toilet on the site, and this application was also approved on appeal.
Mr Smith said: “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 minimised.
“As they would not directly promote water-based activities there would be a conflict with Neighbourhood Plan policy.
“However, the proposals would accord with the development plan as a whole and there are no material considerations to outweigh this finding. Therefore, for the reasons given, the appeals should succeed.”
During the debate connected to the original application ward councillor Johanna Howell had raised concerns about the proposals leading to “a Center Parcs type development” at Bewl Water. These concerns were shared by several objectors to the scheme as well.
The inspector addressed these concerns in their decision notice, saying: “The outcomes of these appeals should not be regarded as a ‘stepping stone’ to any future developments.
“Overnight accommodation at Bewl Water has already been accepted as part of [previous appeals]. However, the acceptance of seasonal camping and occupation of four yurts should not be taken as setting a precedent for further tourism-related uses.”
The permission allows the campsite to operate between April and September each year. While it had not been part of the original application, these time limits will also apply to the yurts.
A refusal would not have prevented the site being used for camping outright, as, under planning law, land can temporarily be used for camping for up to 28 days each year without planning permission. This is how the site was operated before securing the temporary planning permission in November 2020.
For further information see application reference WD/2023/1895/MAJ on the Wealden District Council website.
