Cwtch Glamping extension approved despite previous refusals

Elizabeth Pengelly had previously seen her application to extend her glamping site refused by councillors on the planning committee and the decision upheld by an independent inspector on appeal. 

But Monmouthshire County Council’s planning committee approved a new application for one additional shepherd hut, in addition to the two on site under a rule that allows for temporary use, for her land known as Swallows Nest near Abergavenny where she also keeps alpacas. 

The revised plans will also see the parking area moved to a site closer to the applicant’s home with a guest policy setting out rules visitors are expected to follow.   

At the same meeting councillors also approved a separate application from Martin Ayres, for another part of the same land, for a steel frame barn for agricultural storage. 

The movable washroom planned for the Swallow's Nest glamping site near Abergavenny. Picture: Monmouthshire County Council planning file.

Both applications were opposed by neighbours and Mathew Williams addressed the committee on behalf of the objectors, 

He said they questioned the need for what he called a “large” barn, that would be 97 square metres, and said while the glamping application had dropped plans for four bell tents it “would still be a year-round, commercial tourism use”. 

Head of planning Andrew Jones said the changes had addressed the issue of potential noise impact, including incidental noises such as cars arriving, doors opening and closing and talking that Mr Williams reminded the committee had also been highlighted in the inspector’s appeal decision. 

Mr Jones said conditions on the permissions would need to be reasonable and enforceable and said a condition the barn isn’t used for livestock, and no lighting is attached, as well as further information on how water from hot tubs at the glamping site is managed could be attached to the approvals. 

Labour councilllor Dale Rooke, who said neighbours could disturbed by shenanigans from the proposed tents when councillors rejected the plan in July last year, said he was now satisfied the use wouldn’t cause noise problems.

The Chepstow councillor said: “The huts will be at least 21 metres away from the nearest residents, that is far enough away.” 

Abergavenny Conservative Maureen Powell said the proposed barn was reasonable. 

She said: “With the alpacas the amount of hay they will need in the winter moths it will be well needed.” 

The committee approved the barn application with 12 votes in favour of approval and the expansion of the glamping site approved by nine councillors with three abstentions.