Three-pod glamping site at 8 Bourne Road, Folkingham

What was proposed

The application proposed changing grassland into a glamping site with three eco-friendly pods, a utility building, parking and landscaping.

“This application is for the change of use of grass land to be used as a glamping site including construction of 3no. glamping pods, utility building, creation of car parking area and associated landscaping. Relevant History…”

Officer report

The site

The site was unused grassland behind a residential property, accessed from Bourne Road through Greenfields Lane, with homes to the west.

“The application site comprises approximately 18,170sqm of grassland. The site is situated to the rear of No.8 Bourne Road which is located to the south of the village of Folkingham. The land is within the ownership of the occupiers of No.8 Bourne Road (residential dwelling) and is accessed from Bourne Road, via Greenfields Lane. The site is currently occupied by a timber frame garage that houses a tractor and lawnmower.”

Officer report

What local people said

Sixteen representations raised concerns about flooding, traffic, visual and heritage impacts, noise, pollution, privacy, ecology, drainage and future development.

“This application has been advertised in accordance with the Council's Statement of Community Involvement, and 16 letters of representation have been received, and the comments are summarised as follows: Concerns with long term environmental impact to existing ecology and habitat, utilities and services (water, sewage electricity, waste management) 2. Visual intrusion, development would compromise visual character of the area and nearby conservation sites.”

“Over past 10 years there have been incidences of flooding in the area - most recently January 2025. The pods would result in a minimal local economic benefit, no local need in the area for camp sites, there is already a campsite operating in the village. 8.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward councillor raised drainage and heritage concerns, while a neighbour and the applicant supported the reduced scheme and its rural benefits.

What members debated

Members discussed drainage, pod spacing and size, landscaping, fire access, wastewater, porous surfaces and whether the pods suited the village.

“It was confirmed the cabin footprint was 10m width and 7.4m depth. The pods were not built into the ground and would not impact drainage arrangements. It was confirmed the pods seen on the site visit were the same size as the pods proposed.”

“Members recognised the concept of the site was good, however, the pods were very large with the designated outdoor area. It was queried whether the application was in keeping with the small village. • Whether the Committee could approve the site for glamping, however, request further information on scale and details of the pods. • That the directly opposite neighbour to the site was in favour of the application.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee agreed to grant permission subject to conditions controlling the site layout, pod design, foul drainage, landscaping, biodiversity, management and three-unit limit.

“3) Before the development hereby permitted is commenced, a scheme for the layout of the site, showing the final design and materials of the glamping pods, together with the means of foul water drainage (hereafter referred to as the site development scheme) shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The site management scheme shall be in broad accordance with the submitted Proposed Site Plan (Ref: 2024-PRO9-OFA-DR-PA-01 Rev F).”

Minutes