Northrepps glamping pods rejected by North Norfolk council

Plans to relocate two holiday lodges on Shrublands Farm Camping Site in Northrepps have been rejected by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC).

This is despite pleas from the owners of a nearby pub, Foundry Arms, for the scheme to go ahead.

Landowner Jeremy Youngman applied for the pods, which had been installed on Hungry Hill without proper permission, to be relocated to Craft Lane.

Craft Lane is already used as a holiday site, with space for five caravans and 10 tents.   

The Foundry Arms in Northrepps. (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017) (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

A letter of support from the pub landlords read to the planning committee said: “Mr Youngman's campsite provides invaluable business for us which helps us to sustain so we will sustain employing 14 local people. 

“His plans to site two glamping pods will only improve the visitor numbers to our pub and other local businesses.” 

A Mr Rook, who spoke in support of the application, said the site has been in use for 30 years, and no locals or the parish council have objected. 

He said: “Any harm caused would be substantially less than the campervans that are permitted to use this part of the site. 

“There would be less noise disturbance and light pollution as there is no external lighting on the pods, the design is in keeping with the character of the surrounding area and would be less harmful and more in keeping with the area.” 

Councillors were split on the application but ultimately sided with the NNDC official's recommendation.

Officers said the scheme would provide limited benefits for Northrepps, which would not outweigh the harm it would cause to the area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) - spaces with extra protection for the natural environment. 

The scheme was rejected with seven votes against, three in favour and three abstentions.