A STAWLEY man is seeking planning permission for his ‘glamping’ retreat - after the business was built.

Planning permission is being sought to retain three glamorous camping pods, a yoga and treatment room and amenities which have been built in the disused Bluebell Quarry in Tracebridge.

In a statement submitted to Somerset Council on behalf of the applicant, who lives in an adjoining property and owns the land, APW Planning Consultants told planners: “Since purchasing the application site, the applicants have begun developing a low impact and sustainable wellness retreat at the property, with the aim of serving the local and wider community.

“The development aims to deliver Yoga classes led by local instructors, sound healing events, business training days, art workshops, as well as weekend wellness retreats and day workshops.

“The priority is to provide a peaceful atmosphere that promotes relaxation and revitalisation while preserving the tranquility of the village and its natural surroundings.”

The development includes a two-person treehouse fitted with a kitchenette and outdoor shower, as well as a ‘falcon nest’ set in a repurposed horse carriage.

The planning consultants also argued the development would create jobs: “The application proposes a use that will benefit other local businesses and services, with guests likely to make use of the local shop and public house.

“The development will generate new employment opportunities and diversification of local service networks through employing instructors and sourcing locally produced goods.

“The business will contribute and broaden the offering of local services within the area, which comprises a number of small settlements that share services and facilities between one another.”

The owners of the Bluebell Quarry describe it as a “luxurious glamping and wellness destination situated on the picturesque Somerset-Devon border, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

“Our studio can accommodate up to 12 people for mat-based classes or more if mat practice is not required.”

The application comes after plans for glamping pods on agricultural land at Wagtail farm in Stawley were shelved last year after Stawley Parish Council expressed their opposition to the move, highlighting concerns over increased traffic flows. They said: "The site opens onto a narrow single-track lane with no adequate passing places. 

"Although the applicant envisages only light traffic being generated if the application is successful, any increase in traffic volume is to be discouraged. Also, the applicant is incorrect in stating that there are good transport links to Wiveliscombe and Wellington." 

Some local residents also lodged their opposition to the plans. Ian Yule of the nearby North Heywood Farm said: "Should planning consent be granted for this non-agricultural use it will certainly create a precedent affecting other nearby agricultural holdings, including my own. 

"This precedent will undoubtedly be used to justify non-agricultural usage on these other holdings."

While a decision has yet to be made on the application, Somerset Ecology Services have already ordered that an ecological appraisal of the site must be carried out, in accordance with government guidelines on the preservation of protected species and local animal habitats.