Rural ‘retreat’ refused in Ridgeback Lane, South Poorton

Dorset Council decided the site was so remote within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that it would lead to an increase in traffic just to provide for the basic needs of those staying there.

The application had been submitted for a change of use on an eighth of an acre site opposite stable buildings in Ridgeback Lane between West Milton and South Poorton.

Powerstock Parish Council raised no objection to the application on a majority vote while several local residents wrote to express their concerns.

One said buildings on the site would be ‘highly visible’ from a wide area and doubted if the proposed solar panels would be able to produce enough power for the site.

There was also worries about noise.

Said one West Milton resident: “Sounds travel a considerable way across the area, down to Loscombe and West Milton. The application mentions ‘discouragement’ of music and noise, but there will be no control of this.

Said another: “I do not support this application. The site is not suitable for a ‘luxury camping retreat’ due to its location within an AONB. The site has already been landscaped without due consideration to the ecological impact of this work. There are 41 pitches within a mile of the site offering the same style of accommodation. The noise pollution and potential for fires adjacent to existing stables is a serious concern.”

A Dorset Council planning officer summed up the objection to the use of the site: “Owing to the remote location of the site, the proposed development would be some distance from facilities, placing reliance on the car to reach the site and local services.

“Furthermore, it is considered that the proposed use, and resultant domestication of the site, would adversely impact the inherent rural character of the landscape and special qualities of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In particular, the use, and associated structures would be at odds with the undeveloped rural character of the countryside and it has not been demonstrated that the proposed development would not be conspicuous in views from the adjacent footpath, detracting from the rural amenity of the area.”

Documents with the application said the site would be used as a “private retreat campsite” with a proposal for a field-shelter shed measuring 5.5m by 2.75m which will house a shower, toilet and kitchenette as well as space for rubbish and recycling bins.

The application, from Richard Maya who lives in Shepton Mallett, said that the builders’ yard use came to an end in October 2010 and the campsite would be an improvement on what was left behind.

In a letter to the council he said: “What I would like to do is to offer the space as an exclusive use, private, luxury camping retreat. It is to be targeted at couples or small families visiting the area, who can enjoy an off-grid, low ecological impact stay in a self-catering, luxurious, campsite setting, benefitting from great access to many local attractions.”

His plan for the site included a 4 metre diameter tent dwelling, such as a bell tent, or yurt, a storage area to contain gardening and maintenance equipment, separated bins for recycling, water storage, a solar power plant and propane gas supply.

He said the site would also provide a fire-pit area in the south corner, with a wildflower meadow patch running adjacent along the bottom of the bank and an open-air dining area in the west corner.