Glamping site bid could be thrown out amid noise and traffic fears
Church Lane in Wicklewood. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2015
A luxury camping site plan in a quaint Norfolk village could be thwarted thanks to a backlash from neighbours - even though more people support it.
Wicklewood village sign. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2015
Twenty-nine residents wrote to South Norfolk Council (SNC) to complain about noise and loud music on the planned 'glamping' site on land near Church Farm, Church Lane, Wicklewood, near Wymondham, along with extra traffic.
But 41 letters of support were received for the application, with one saying it would be 'great for tourism and employment' and another saying: 'Since the loss of the B&B in the village, this will provide somewhere for people to stay when visiting relatives or friends.'
SNC planning officers have recommended the proposal - which would see a barn converted as part of the plans - be rejected when councillors meet to decide the application on Wednesday.
'The proposed use of the barn for events and the use of the site for glamping will have a significant impact on the amenities of local residents in terms on noise and disturbance from all traffic associated with the proposal,' they said in a report ahead of the meeting.
Wicklewood village sign. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2015
They also criticised 'inadequate access, passing provision and parking arrangements'.
In his application, Peter Meacock said the glamping units - designed for two adults and two children - would be 'let so small families can experience our lovely countryside' and 'show their children country life with sheep, hens, pheasants and the other wildlife'. He also pledged to impose a rule where the site would be quiet in the evenings, so any children present could sleep.
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Eight events are planned for the site during the spring and summer, including two for charity.
However Wicklewood Parish Council said recent functions held on the site had caused 'significant' noise and light pollution for neighbours, adding: 'The road is totally inadequate to accommodate such volumes of traffic as have been witnessed when functions have been held on this site recently.'
However Albert and Cynthia Mills, of Church Lane, said: 'We think it would be good for the village to have another small commercial business providing limited employment. No doubt the village pub will welcome the potential of some new customers.These points more than outweigh any potential downsides.'
