A couple who have successfully extended the opening months of their campsite insist it will not turn into a “party venue” after concerns were raised over the “daunting” prospect of noise all year round.

Previously, guests at Lilyroos Glamping, in Hacklinge, near Deal, were able to stay overnight in either a bell or pop-up tent or campervan between April 1 to October 31.

However, owners David and Sarah Herriott said this made the business “unsustainable in the longer term” as it had to close for five months each year.

As a result, they were unable to take on full time staff and they were having to pay for security and bills even when shut.

Now, members of Dover District Council (DDC) have approved plans for campers to stay from February to October.

In addition, the authority approved a condition which will allow members of the public, not just overnight guests, to enjoy the on-site bar and dining offerings in winter months.

The couple also hope to now host yoga retreats and walking tours at the site.

But the prospect of the business staying open throughout the year sparked fears from neighbours who said “the summer was bad enough but the thought of 11 months of noise pollution...is daunting”.

But Mr Herriott explained: “We’re not changing anything; we’re not a party venue, and we do respect our neighbours.

“We log our noise levels, and there’s no music after 10pm. It’s a very relaxed setting. There’s no drum and bass.”

Opening post-lockdown, the owners said they were initially “as busy as we can be”, but two years on, it was clear they needed to stay open for longer due to problems with bad weather and rising bills.

Under the new license, the glamping site can host events in November, December, February, and March, with a maximum of 100 people on site.

Mr Herriott said: “All this allows us to do is use the empty space when the weather’s been bad.

“It opens the door to keep everything up and running.

“Obviously, there’s a lot of outlay, and you only need a couple of bad months with the weather, like last year, to really shorten our season.

“It also means we can keep staff because last year we had to lay people off and then rely on friends and family because it was so hit and miss with the weather. We just couldn’t keep any consistency.

“This has really helped us with the rise in energy bills, insurance and business rates which we’ve had to pay all year round despite only having a seven month license.”

Lilyroos already hosts music events in the summer, but during the quieter months, there are plans to open the space to walking groups, dog walkers and yoga retreats.

However, neighbours opposed the move, fearing excess noise from the site.

Commenting on DDC’s planning portal, Roger and Delta Dewen said: “We have lived in this lovely listed house for more than 40 years, surrounded by peaceful farm and marshland.

“Unfortunately, since the establishment of Lilyroos, this has all changed.

“Gradually, they have encroached on our land, bringing noise and people nearer to our homes.

“Over the summer was bad enough, but the thought of 11 months of noise pollution from traffic, music groups and private celebrations is daunting.”

DDC also received nine comments supporting the plans, praising the growth of a local business.

Chris Crofts said: “I’ve stayed at Lilyroos twice in the last two years, and I can say, without hesitation, it remains a friendly, well-run site.

“The accusation that it is a noisy holiday resort is extremely far from the truth.”

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With their application now approved, Mr Herriott is hoping to see the business thrive, and will be hosting an open day on April 5 to allow guests a chance to see everything on offer at the site.

He said: “The options are so open now.

“We didn't question the conditions on the license at the time, and after lockdown, we were as busy as we wanted to be, we couldn’t have coped with anymore.

“But the last couple of years, I’ve really seen a change, and we’ve really survived by the skin of our teeth.

“Now, we’re full of hope and really want to carry on and make this a success.”