PLANS to build a glamping site have been approved by councillors.

Plans to build six glamping pods/living vans, timber clad amenities and a reception cabin and to use existing barn for equipment storage in Browning Hill Green, near Tadley, was approved during a Basingstoke and Deane Council development control committee meeting on Wednesday, 1 November.

The approval had previously been deferred by councillors so they could visit the 2.36 acres parcel of land located to the west side of Church Road, Baughurst.

However, following a site visit and amendments to the proposed site entrance, members were happy to vote unanimously in favour of the proposals.

Baughurst and Tadley North ward councillor, Cllr Michael Bound said: “Having listened to the contribution of the Baughurst society I can see their concerns, but this is a very modest proposal and it is something that is not going to be seen unless you are right on top of it.

“The nearest dwelling is about 100 metres away and it is in an area which is well worth visiting in my opinion and the extra accommodation will allow people to do so. “

Cllr Bound added: “I appreciate that there is a concern in the area about access to the site and travellers, but their worries are overcome with the conditions placed on the site.“

With regard to the concerns raised at the last meeting on October 4, in respect of landscape impact, the application proposed that there would be no features introduce that would harm the landscape setting.

Applicant for the development Alan Gibb said to members at a previous meeting that the introduction of a glamping site would be economically viable for the area and bring more tourists to the village.

He said: “I love the area and I do not want to spoil it.”