A controversial glamping site once described as “worse than a detention centre” is set to win its bid to remain open.

Walnut Tree Glamping launched last April in the picturesque village of Westbere, near Canterbury - much to the dismay of disgruntled neighbours.

But even guests were left unimpressed, leaving a series of shocking reviews about the site.

One visitor likened the camp to the setting of horror film The Hills Have Eyes, while another exclaimed: “I wouldn’t let my dog stay here!”

Walnut Tree owner Jane Mapp had used a temporary post-Covid licence to start operating the business, but was forced in June to apply for full retrospective planning permission to change the use of the land.

Now, almost a year on, Canterbury City Council has recommended her bid be given the green light, despite villagers’ concerns the site is “defacing the natural beauty of the area”.

A final decision will rest with the authority’s planning committee, which will meet on Tuesday evening.

The glamping business - accessed via a private track off Bushy Hill Road - is on a small part of a much larger plot used for horse riding.

There are six bell tents on the land, as well as two mobile showers and portaloos, while an empty section of the site is to be used for camping by scouts.

Council officers believe the use of the land complies with the authority’s aims to boost rural tourism, adding that the proposed scout tents would provide a “valuable facility for the wider community”.

But 42 objections - including one from Westbere Parish Council - have been submitted, expressing concern about a number of issues, including increased traffic, anti-social behaviour and poor conditions and noise at the site.

Neighbour Mark Humber wrote to tell of “a huge increase in rubbish, with a large variety of empty drink cans and bottles being left on our property and in the shared driveway”.

“We have even had used condoms in our garden and the associated packaging,” he said.

“We have had ‘glampers’ entering our property from both the front and the rear access points, which leaves us feeling very vulnerable.”

Judy and Tonny van den Broek added: “It is an inappropriate development in a hamlet such as Westbere.

“Westbere does not 'need' this, or any other, development.

“The tents and related huts and cabins deface the natural beauty of the area.”

Meanwhile, Diana Poulter accuses the site of “destroying the ambience of a usually pleasant and welcoming village”.

TripAdvisor and booking.com are littered with a series of poor reviews about the site, although all are from last summer.

One unhappy glamper wrote: “Turned up at the place, within minutes we left. I’ve seen detention centres in better states than that.”

Another branded the setup “terrible and illegal”, adding it was “dirty and impossible to find”.

They continued: ““Rude staff, portaloos blow up, hot tub swimming pool all disgusting; after staying we could not believe this place is licensed.”

A similarly miffed guest told how they went to a hotel instead, and warned others against staying.

“If your ideal visit is to never want to camp again, then this is the place for you,” they wrote.

Among the positive reviews, one guest wrote in August 2022: “Good facilities and friendly staff, get what you pay for,” leaving a five-star review.

“Didn't use shower facilities or pool as were only there for an overnight quick stop. Low cost stay in a natural setting. Not sure what the negative fuss is about. It's cheap, it does the job.”

Another wrote in the same month that they “loved the site”.

“What we have is very small-scale - I don’t think villagers have anything to be frightened of..”

“Perfect family friendly relaxing break, we nearly cancelled due to previous reviews however, I would say any concerns have been addressed. Would recommend,” they said.

Site boss Miss Mapp defended the business to KentOnline last year, blaming the slew of poor reviews on “teething problems”.

“What we have is very small-scale - I don’t think villagers have anything to be frightened of,” she added.

“I can understand their fears. It’s something different, change; people panic and it ripples through the village.”

Speaking at the time, Miss Mapp, who also runs a livery yard on the land she rents, pledged to make further improvements if she secures planning permission.

Council officers have recommended the change of use be approved, but with conditions.

They say the glamping tents must only be used for holiday accommodation, no amplified music can played at the site, and any external lighting must be signed off by the authority before it is installed.

The planning committee meets at 7pm on Tuesday at the Guildhall in Canterbury.