Glamping go-ahead for Gorfield site

Those looking for a getaway will soon be able to take advantage of new holiday accommodation in a Fenland village.

Planners have approved a planning application by Tim Youngs to convert a small part of paddock and orchard land he owns in Fendyke Lane into holiday accommodation.

Mr Youngs applied for permission to build a polytunnel (retrospective), two bell tents, two glamping pods and a facilities block as well as the creation of a parking area and a pond.

The facilities block will include two shower rooms and two lean-to kitchenette areas.

A design and access statement drawn up by Peter Humphrey Associates in support of the application said the aim was to ensure a “high quality development”.

It says Mr Youngs has owned the site for a number of and uses the land as paddocks for grazing, orchard area and growing of vegetable for personal use as a hobby. He now wishes to expand on this and generate an income from the site in conjunction with it’s current use.

“The paddock where the holiday accommodation will be located and the surrounding site boundaries are densely landscaped as existing, ensuring that the proposal is low impact on the local area and nearby dwelling,” says the report.

Adding: “This existing landscaping will ensure minimal noise/disturbance from the proposal. The holiday accommodation will be a mixture of bell tents (provided by supplier) and sited Glamping Pods (provided by supplier).”

Initially the site will be managed and maintained by Mr Youngs and his wife, but the report said there may be a job opportunity for one person in the future.

The statement concludes “We have a low impact proposal that, with the influx of ‘stay-at-home’ vacations, would

be in high demand and a welcome addition to the area, whilst also enabling the applicant to generate an income from the land they own.”

Fenland’s planning team came to the same conclusion and said: “The proposal is considered acceptable and accords with the necessary policies of the Fenland Local Plan. It represents minimal issues in terms of visual or

residential amenity and is acceptable in respect of highway safety.

“It will also enable small economic growth within a rural area and may improve local biodiversity. Issues relating to flood risk and drainage will be subject to conditions; accordingly a favourable recommendation is forthcoming.”