A NEW glamping site is set to be built in Highbridge as plans have been approved by Somerset Council.

GCGP Properties applied in February to build five timber glamping pods, create a fishing pond and bird watching shed, construct vehicle and cycle parking with associated amenities, and create vehicular access to an area of farmland in East Huntspill.

The planned site sits to the south-west of the village, at Redwood Farm on Withy Road.

The designs for the glamping pods 'integrate with the rural landscape and incorporate natural materials' according to the planning statement submitted by the applicant.

"Each pod benefits from a decked area to the rear providing superb views over the surrounding countryside and proposed fishing pond and landscaping," they wrote in the statement.

"The proposal is focused on eco-tourism and is to be marketed at those who visit the area to enjoy the special wildlife habitat and bird watching opportunities, and those who seek active holidays such was walking, cycling, and fishing.

"This is a different tourism market to those who seek traditional coastal resorts."

The site is located within an area with a high probability of flooding from rivers and the sea (Flood Zone 3), however, the applicant affirms that the submitted Flood Risk Assessment form 'demonstrates that the Sequential and Exceptions Tests are met.'

In the decision document compiled by the Executive Director Climate and Place for the Sedgemoor region, permission was granted and it was specified that the applicant has up to three years to begin work.

The application received three comments through public consultation - all from the same person - which cited potential flood risk and increased traffic and disruption as reasons as to why the site should not be built.

For more information on the application, search the reference number 25/23/00020 on Somerset Council's online planning portal.