More on KentOnline
Plans have been revealed to turn part of a farm into a seasonal glamping site following the success of a pop-up campsite during the summer.
Bosses at Chandler and Dunn Ltd are asking for permission to change the use of their field in Ash near Sandwich to a 30-pitch camping site plus five glamping bell tents from May 1 to September 30.
Chandler and Dunn Ltd is a family-run farm off Lower Goldstone that has promised to focus on “long-term sustainability and viability".
In its application to Dover District Council, the applicants say: “Camping in its purest form is quite an environmentally friendly activity.
"Being off-grid and going back to nature encourages people to cut down on their electronic usage and rethink nature and the environment around them.”
With a toilet block and washing-up area already in situ from the pop-up campsite, the proposal is seeking to retain this and turn it into a permanent structure for the site.
Operators would use the existing field entrance, which has few vehicle movements and clear visibility in both directions.
The owners of the farm predict a maximum of 35 cars will be on site at any one time.
Following the trial earlier this year, it is expected these numbers will not have a detrimental impact on residents and existing road users.
The Chandler and Dunn Ltd farm was established in the 1830s.
It is a mixed farm, comprising fruit, arable, and livestock enterprises, including an on-site butchery.
The proposal puts forward the economic benefits it will have on the area by directly employing staff and dramatically increasing sales at the butchers.