PLANS to seasonally change land near Eastmoors Farm in St Ives to a glamping site have been submitted.

The applicant wants to erect six yurts and three temporary eco-compostable loos every summer at the farm.

A design and access statement from Pure Town Planning, submitted on behalf of the applicant, said: “The proposed use would take place for approximately 30 weeks of the year between April and October and would cease during the winter months, with the yurts and eco-loos removed from site during the period.

“Electricity would be provided by solar panels and water would be provided through main from the adjacent riding school.

“The glamping yurts and eco-loos themselves are not buildings as they are not permanent structures and would be removed for approximately 24 weeks of the year. As such, they are not by definition harmful to the openness of the green belt.

“This offers a unique tourism opportunity which is not currently accommodated for on other campsites in the immediate area, which offer large-scale commercial camping and caravanning sites. This small-scale eco-glamping proposal would not be suitable on urban land, at existing campsites and requires a high-quality setting where the landscape will be protected, safeguarded and fully appreciated through the low-impact activity on the site.”

The application said the spacing between each yurt would “retain the openness of the site”.

If approved, the site would be accessed through the equestrian site from Eastmoors Lane which leads to a parking area for six vehicles.

The design and access statement said: “The diameter of the yurts measures five metres with a floor area of 19.6sqm, wall height of 1.6m and crown height of 2.75m.

“Furthermore, three eco-compostable loos are proposed on the site, equating to one loo serving two yurts. These structures are wooden, low-key and moveable to ensure that they can be removed out of season.

“There are no material considerations which would count against the proposal. Various appeal decisions and legal judgements have concluded that campsites can be accepted on green belt land without harm its openness. As the proposal complies with the Development Plan and there are no material considerations which indicate that it should be determined otherwise, the proposal should be supported.”