THE refusal of planning permission for the installation of two self-contained glamping pods has gone to appeal.

Mr and Mrs Whelan have appealed against the refusal for the pods on land at Higher Millfield, Mill Road, Bradworthy.

The original decision had been refused on the basis that it would not ‘relate to an established recreational base and has not demonstrated any significant economic benefits to the wider area’. It further stated that in the view of Torridge District Council, it would not improve facilities or diversify the range or quality of existing tourism accommodation and is thus has an unjustified need. They added that the applicants had not engaged with the authority prior to an application being made.

However, in their appeal, the applicants have stated that their proposal would be designed to cater for the ‘disabled market’, meaning that it would offer accessible accommodation for people with disabilities.

However, Bradworthy Parish Council, in its response to the appeal said that the applicants had not stated this in their original application, adding that: “As far as the Parish Council can see the only mention of catering for disabilities in the original application was with the disabled access via ramps into the glamping pods. Although these ramps do not appear to be clearly shown on the drawings that accompanied the original application.”

The appeal will be heard by the Planning Inspectorate.