Parish councillors are not happy campers over proposals for a new “bijou” glamping retreat within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The would-be holiday spot, in Bimbury Lane, Stockbury, would include four bell tents, a shepherd’s hut, three sleeping pods, a bar, kitchen area, tearoom, a shower block and parking.

The application is set to be discussed by Maidstone Borough Council’s (MBC) planning committee at a meeting tonight.

However, Stockbury Parish Council has raised strong objections to the retreat, based at Bimbury Lodge, arguing the plans are intrusive in an AONB.

A letter submitted to the council says planning permission “would result in the overdevelopment of the site and set a precedent in the parish."

It would also “commercialise a residential property.”

However, MBC officers are recommending the plans, proposed by a Mrs L Twitchett, at Bimbury Lodge, are approved, as long as certain conditions are met to safeguard the countryside.

Bimbury Lane is about 880m north of the A249 junction and the site is near paddocks, farming land and two homes.

The bell tents would be used between April and October, with the shepherd’s hut and sleeping pods being available all year round.

The bar, which would be converted from a stable, would not serve alcohol but instead sell coffee and soft drinks.

There will not be a restaurant, but the tearoom would offer a “country afternoon tea experience” to glampers.

The Kent Downs AONB Unit has not objected, but recommends conditions to control lighting on site to protect the dark skies of the area.

The unit also advises the details of building materials and colour of bell tents are submitted, and complementary to the “local character”.

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