Tapnell Farm’s plans to replace tents with ‘pods’ will be considered by Isle of Wight councillors due to objections raised.
The tourist attraction, based on the outskirts of Freshwater, is looking to replace its 30 white bell tents with 32 tourism pods, each with space for four beds.
Yarmouth Town Council has objected to the proposals saying it is an over-development and urbanisation of the site and complained the pods would be in place all year round instead of just the tourist season.
While the pods would not be permanently fixed to the ground, they would help offer a year-round camping offer at the site.
Local councillor, Peter Spink, had requested the Isle of Wight Council’s planning committee determine the application due to difficult policy issues.
Officers have recommended the application be approved with conditions including landscape work, external lighting and holiday occupancy only, and subject to a land management plan.
It will be heard next Tuesday (13) when the committee will determine whether to grant permission or not.
However, big names like Wightlink, Southern Vectis and the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, as well as four individuals, have supported the application.
Supporters say the pods would significantly improve the quality of accommodation and the landscaping would make the area more visually attractive than the white tents.
The pods would be clad in rough-sawn vertical timber and stained, with some walls featuring a trellised living wall.
It is proposed the pods would mainly be used by youth activity holiday providers, Camp Libertas, who partnered with Tapnell Farm last year, during the summer.
The pods would have less capacity than the current provision.
A concern was raised the pods would negatively impact the neighbouring Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) but with mitigations in place and proposed conditions, officers say it would not be overly prominent or result in a significant visual impact on the rural landscape.
Overall, officers conclude the development would not compromise designated sites or impact on protected species or habitats.
They say it would have social and economic benefits brought through the boost the pods would add to the tourism offer on the Island.
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