PLANNING chiefs in Purbeck are set to rule on proposals for a new campsite on green belt land which could offer upmarket ‘glamping’ to visitors.

The applicant Lee Allcock, of Newton Farmhouse, Lytchett Minster, wants to create the camping and caravan site on existing agricultural land.

However, planning officers recommend Purbeck District Council’s (PDC) planning board refuse the scheme when it comes before committee next week.

A report written by planning officer Steve Boyt says the campsite and associated buildings “would be harmful to the appearance and character of the surrounding landscape” and would “harm the setting of the nearby listed building.”

Mr Allcock, who lives in the Grade II-listed farmhouse, wants to change the use of 1.34 hectares of land to the north of the A35 at Lytchett Minster. The proposed campsite, which falls within the green belt, would also boast a number of buildings – including a 15.5 metres long reception and shop, a games and laundry building, WC and shower block, bicycle storage and additional bin stores.

Meanwhile, two groups of timber glamping pods, one at the north-eastern corner of the site and one at the southern end are also proposed. The total number of pods, should planning consent be granted, would be 15.

Neighbour Andrew Powell, of Clay Cottage, Wareham Road, Organford, has complained to PDC about the proposals. He said: “This represents more overcrowding of the area with even more caravan/park sites within a very small area, creating wealth for some and an eyesore and more for others.

“The area is saturated with caravan sites the recent abysmal creation at Organford park homes has demonstrated what happens when these proposals are granted permission, the local people are utterly fed up with this continual demise of the once gateway to the Purbeck’s.”

Glamping has grown in popularity over the past few years, proving getting in touch with the great outdoors doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing comfort.

In the report to PDC’s planning committee, Mr Boyt said: “The council considers that the proposed change of use of the land from agricultural to use as a campsite (for tents and caravans) and the proposed operational development associated with such a change of use constitutes inappropriate development which is harmful to the green belt.”

PDC’s planning board meets at the council’s headquarters, Worgret Road, Wareham, on February 22.