GLAMPING PLANS FOR NEW BARN FARM REVEALED BUT OBJECTIONS…

Plans to add glamping to a Calbourne farm’s offering have been unveiled.

In a bid to diversify the income for a farm that previously housed an outdoor education facility, treehouses are proposed at New Barn Farm on Sun Hill, Calbourne Road.

Submitted by Wild Wight Glamping, the plans would see 5 high-quality, contemporary treehouses built on the fringe of the former Christmas tree plantation at the farm, which has become overgrown.

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Agents for the development, BCM, say with the knowledge that EU agricultural subsidies will be removed, and no clear indication for a UK equivalent, the farm needs to diversify to create sustainable income streams to improve its overall viability.

The farm also hosts weddings.

In planning documents submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, in favour of the development, the agents say the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will be respected, with the units nestled into the surroundings and enhanced by further landscaping.

Calbourne Parish Council has raised no objection to the development, subject to new planting taking place before the units are occupied and compliance with the dark skies policy.

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A main concern raised by the parish council, however, was the occupation of the units during a shoot and also called for a speed reduction for this part of Sun Hill, to 40mph, once again.

Island Roads has recommended the application be refused on 2 counts due to inadequate access visibility and pedestrian connectivity.

The highways authority said the development is likely to encourage private car use and deter travel by more sustainable modes of transport due to the site’s location, therefore increasing the potential for conflicts between pedestrians and motorists on Sun Hill.

In advice given before the application was submitted planning officers highlighted a bus runs along Sun Hill once an hour, reducing reliance on private vehicles.

To view the plans (22/00159/FUL), you can visit the council’s planning register. Comments can be made until 18th March.