Controversial plans to create a hot tub glamping attraction in Renwick have been withdrawn by its Sunderland-based developer.
The development, which included 10 glamping pods on farm land 500 metres south of the village, on the border of the North Pennines Area of Natural Beauty, drew objections from locals and public bodies alike, primarily on environmental grounds.
Kirkoswald Parish Council discussed the matter on Tuesday and voted unanimously to object to the application, but before the clerk could submit their concerns formally to Eden District Council’s planning team, the application was withdrawn.
Their objection would have joined those from the North Pennines AONB partnership, the Environment Agency and United Utilities, among others.
Kenneth Wilson, who led the local community in opposing the build, said: “It’s good news that this planning application has been withdrawn.
“A wide range of statutory bodies, and lots of local residents have voiced a multitude of objections — ranging from access and road safety, to the setting of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, local listed structures, and damage to the environment.
“No doubt the Sunderland-based applicant will be trying to come up with a revised scheme that overcomes these objections.
“But the access dangers, and the environmental damage, mean that no development of this nature would be acceptable here. The site is an ancient meadow, and needs to be protected.”
Seb Salisbury, the project’s architect, said: “Our client has decided to withdraw the current application to fully review the comments and concerns of the local community.
“We still feel that a viable scheme is achievable that will greatly enhance the biodiversity of the site which is currently agricultural land.”
