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Glamping in luxury safari-style tents could be coming to Whitstable if a planning application is approved at a seaside campsite.
Bosses at Seaview Holiday Park, off St Johns Road, want to bring the glamorous camping craze to the town and have applied to Canterbury City Council for planning permission.
If granted, it would mean a number of fully-furnished and equipped tents would be based in a field between the park’s clubhouse and seawall.
Tony Clish, director of Park Holidays UK which manages the park, said: “Glamping is proving increasingly popular with younger families and couples taking short breaks in the UK.
“Whitstable is a fantastic area for a short break for people living in London and the south east, many of whom we believe will choose this type of stay in addition to a main holiday, perhaps overseas.
“We’re envisaging the average break being two or three nights – and during their stay, holidaymakers will help boost the enormous contribution which Seaview already makes to the local economy with their spending in local businesses.”
The wooden-frame canvas tents would be two-bedroom, with an open-plan lounge and kitchen area plus covered outside decking.
They would also include a log-burner and are likely to be acquired from a safari tent supplier based in Kent.
Mr Clish added: “Shorter breaks but more of them is definitely the trend we have noticed over the past 25 years as park operators, and our safari tents will provide just the type of memorable experience these customers seek.
“It’s a great way to come closer to nature and enjoy the great outdoors – but without sacrificing home comforts such as a comfortable bed, heating, and cooking facilities.
“Neither, of course, do you have to buy your own camping equipment – or flap about putting up a tent when you arrive. You just turn up, and start enjoying your holiday from the word go.”
The number of safari tents to be sited has not yet been decided.
Stays per family are likely to cost under £100 for a short off-season break to around £500 in the main season for a full week.