A contentious glamping development proposed for the Cotswolds is set to be refused by West Oxfordshire District Council next week following widespread objections from local residents and environmental groups.
The scheme at Banbury Hill Farm, north of Charlbury, would introduce 18 camping units—including bell tents, a-frame pods, and shepherd huts—along with a café, reception building, two toilet and shower blocks, a storage barn, and parking spaces. The application, submitted by Spellbound Glamping in November 2023, seeks to change the use of an agricultural field for leisure purposes.
Despite its aim to boost rural tourism, the plan has drawn 48 formal objections. A coordinated protest from 10 households on nearby Spelsbury Road highlighted concerns about the impact on local wildlife, biodiversity, and the peace of adjacent footpaths frequently used by walkers and residents.
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The Friends of West Oxfordshire Cotswolds voiced similar worries, emphasizing that the proposed glamping site would disrupt and degrade the surrounding woodland environment. They argued that while encouraging visitors to experience the Cotswolds National Landscape is important, it must not come at the cost of environmental conservation. They also noted that the nearby existing campsites could potentially absorb the demand without expanding into protected areas.
CPRE West Oxfordshire criticized the transformation, warning of significant habitat loss for local flora and fauna. They stressed that the scale of this proposed site far exceeds typical glamping operations, which prioritize sustainability, especially regarding water and waste facilities. Uncertainty over construction materials and the use of permanent concrete foundations raised further concerns about the irreversible nature of the development.
Local authorities, including Charlbury Town Council and the district ecologist, have also lodged objections, underscoring the environmental risks. Planning officials point out that the applicant has failed to provide sufficient information on biodiversity enhancements, a critical factor given current climate emergency commitments.
While acknowledging the potential tourism benefits and that the scale of the project generally fits the regional context without infringing on the Cotswolds National Landscape, officials recommend refusal due to the applicant’s inability to meet mandatory biodiversity net gain requirements.