Next week, the Forest of Dean District Council will consider retrospective planning permission to formally change the use of a stone outbuilding into a holiday let. Located at Bourne End on High Beech Road in The Pludds near Cinderford, the two-storey building was previously utilized as an art studio by its former owner.
Currently serving as a one-bedroom holiday let, the planning application will be discussed at the development management committee meeting in Coleford on June 10. The proposal does not plan to alter the building’s external dimensions or appearance, though a bathroom has been installed inside the existing structure.
The outbuilding covers approximately 30 square meters with an overall height of 6 meters. Its ground floor includes a dining and living area, kitchen, and shower room, while the first floor houses a bedroom.
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Changes to the surrounding property have been made to accommodate parking. An existing boundary wall was removed to create space for vehicle access and parking for two cars. Across the road, part of another wall at the front boundary of Bourne End was also removed for an additional parking space.
Despite the benefits, the proposal has drawn opposition from 14 local residents. Concerns focus on increased traffic and safety risks, especially vehicles reversing onto the adjoining public bridleway. Residents worry that the narrow roads cannot safely handle more vehicles, posing dangers to riders, horses, and children who frequently use the bridleway.
Many objectors argue that keeping the building as an art studio better serves the community’s interests. They also highlight that holiday let guests may not be familiar with local conditions, increasing potential safety issues.
In response, the applicants emphasize that the holiday let is rented short-term and contributes to local tourism, boosting leisure, retail, and hospitality sectors. They assure that the single-bedroom accommodation will not significantly increase traffic or harm road conditions. Furthermore, the building’s position prevents overlooking, overshadowing, or noise disturbances to neighbours.
To improve safety, a mirror has been installed opposite the parking access to enhance visibility. Planning officers have reviewed the proposal and recommended its approval, acknowledging no significant adverse impacts on nearby residents.