Moat Island glamping plans withdrawn after opposition

The change of use planning application made by Moat Island Glamping in Haveringland was withdrawn on February 21. 

Originally submitted to Broadland District Council in November 2023, the proposal sought permission to host up to 20 weddings or celebration events per year.

It also posed the flexible use of the existing holiday accommodation for activities such as yoga retreats, therapy sessions, cinema nights and food and drink events.

Proposed plans for the site (Image: Broadland District Council) The plans also included a permanent marquee and the introduction of timber cabins alongside canvas tents.

However, the proposal received more than 20 objections from members of the public, with only one comment in support.

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Haveringland Parish Council also strongly objected to the application, citing concerns over noise, road safety and environmental impact.

They said: "There are major reasons to refuse this application; principally because it would bring a level of nuisance and health and safety risks to many residents, nature habitats and other local road users over many weekends."

Locals, including those in the nearby Woodlands Park residential community, raised objections about increased traffic, late-night disturbances and damage to local wildlife.

An aerial view of the site and surrounding properties (Image: Google) Faced with strong resistance, the application was amended in June 2024 to remove the wedding venue plans, instead focusing on year-round retreats and wellbeing activities such as massage therapy, yoga, and creative workshops.

Despite the revisions, locals continued to oppose the plans, arguing that any increase in activity at the site would still result in excessive noise, increased traffic and harm to the surrounding environment.

An objection was made on behalf of the elderly residents of Haveringland Hall Park, many of whom moved to the park for peace and quiet in their retirement.

The objection said: "The occupants of Haveringland Hall Park are elderly, the Park being targeted at those either retired, or close to retirement.

"Those in their 70s and 80s especially are not IT literate and do not have the PC skills to be able to comment, but they are greatly alarmed indeed at the proposed development.

"The recent episodes of music from the glamping site, so late at night, have been very distressing."