A bid to open a quirky glamping site offering stays in a double-decker bus and Romany-style wagon has been backed by villagers.

Plans have been submitted to launch the luxury camping business at a beauty spot in Bobbin Lodge, Chartham, on the outskirts of Canterbury.

Agents say it will offer “unsual and bespoke” accomodation, including the converted bus and traditional caravan, as well as three cabins and two huts on wheels.

Together the seven units would accommodate a maximum of 18 people.

Located on land off Bobbin Lodge Hill, the owners say the site is well shielded by trees and would not be visibly intrusive.

Agents acting for them say: “The applicants are keen to offer bespoke and unusual accommodation in this beautiful location and allow guests to benefit from a back-to-nature break.

“The plot has been chosen due to the existing access, the natural beauty and tranquility of the site offering a suitable guest experience and the potential to mitigate any environmental impacts and enhance the surrounding site to result in bio-diversity net gains.”

In pre-planning advice from the city council, the applicants were told that while the stationing of holiday let accommodation in the location could be considered acceptable, the proposals “could have a harmful impact on the landscape” and affect neighbours.

But agents say: “There is a thread of sustainability running through the whole development, with the structures and site layout designed to have minimal impact on the environment and surrounding landscape.”

Measures to mitigate the impact of nutrients seeping into the Stodmarsh Nature Reserve through waste water are also being proposed by the applicant in the form of an on--site sewage treatment plant.

The application concludes: “The nature of the development is of a tranquil back-to-nature retreat, with six high -quality luxury structures nestled into the surrounding vegetation.

“The heavily vegetated site ensures minimal visual impact and the units are set back well away from the road so as to minimise impact on the street scene.”

The application has been supported by villagers, with onky favourable comments so far on the city council’s planning portal.

Shailesh Dixit, the landlord of The Local pub in Chartham, said: “I am fully in support with this application as it would be a good use of an area that is disused.

“It would add to our community as an additional location for accommodation which is very much in the lacking.

“People using this facility would also bring revenue to our village shops, pubs etc.”

Resident Dale Gardner added: “What a fabulous idea - this has been needed for some time in this area.”

“There are so many positives with this idea - wealth back into the community, enjoy the beauty of the countryside and town areas, safe environment for families.

“Help save the environment by being able to cycle to places instead of the car. The list is endless.”

Meanwhile, Linda Scarr has also added her support, writing: “Having visited the intended location, to see land used in a constructive way can only be good for the village.

“It may only be a small amount of holiday huts, visitors/families are likely to use the village's businesses and visit Canterbury and surrounding areas in turn promoting such a great location to access much of Kent via the railway.

“Such a beautiful site for glamping.”