A PORTLAND camp site with 60 pitches and additional space for seasonal shepherd’s huts has been given the go ahead.
Two fields to the south of Sweet Hill Road, adjoining stables, will be used in a ‘green’ scheme which it is claimed will provide a big boost to the local economy.
The approved planning consent allows for up to ten timber toilet buildings and six timber shower huts.
Mr Daniel Lees from Sweet Hill Farm says the site will support active holidays on Portland, including the associated equestrian centre, and claims that each pitch could add between £26,000 and £84,000 per season to the local economy.
All of the units are planned to be off-grid with solar panels on the roofs and wood burners with compost toilets.
Off season the huts, pods and toilet blocks and showers will be stored in a barn and the fields returned to grazing.
Some camping has already taken place on the site, legally, prior to the application being submitted, under permitted development right for up to 28 days, extended to double that since the Covid outbreak.
Portland town council had welcomed the proposals saying it believed It would benefit the island’s tourism industry.
More than fifty letters had been sent to Dorset Council about the application – 29 in support, 23 against.
The objectors claimed the camp site would be harmful to the landscape, add to litter and traffic problems and that access is partially along a footpath.
Those in support said it would provide a unique holiday experience, helping the local economy and would be sustainable.
A planning officer report concluded: “There is a lack of camping sites of this nature in Portland and the economic benefits are considered to outweigh the landscape harm. As such, the scheme does support the aims of the Portland Neighbourhood Plan… The benefit to the economy and the tourism gain is considered to outweigh the short term harm.”
Said a statement from the agents: “The scheme seeks to extend the offer of the riding stables by adding a sustainable, low-impact glamping and camping site, with the aim of connecting people to nature, and engaging them with the local environment. The proposal will provide high-quality accommodation, targeted towards active holidays including activities such as horse riding, walking, mountain biking, sailing, bird watching and climbing.”
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