Farm near Melksham gets go-ahead for camping and caravan site
The applicants say the site will appeal to holidaymakers looking for a “countryside experience”
Planners have given the go-ahead for a camping and caravan site on a farm near Melksham.
Farmers Simeon and Amy Plumb installed two glamping pods at Thornham Farm, Seend, in 2023 – and want to expand the offering to holiday makers to improve the viability of the farm.
The landowner asked Wiltshire Council for permission to create a campsite consisting of four bell tents on timber decking, 10 tent pitches, four touring caravan spots, and wash facilities.
The applicants say the proposal will “generate income for the family whilst having no impact on the countryside setting or neighbouring residences.”
They say the site will appeal to holidaymakers looking for a “countryside experience”.
The farm is within walking distance of Seend village and Seend Cleeve, and the Kennet & Avon Canal with a towpath to Melksham or Devizes.
The parish council offered no objection, and there were no objections from neighbours.
Wiltshire Council’s highways department raised concerns about increased traffic along New Lane, a single-width road, and said passing places should be provided.
A condition of planning approval was that no caravans should be allowed on site before a passing place is constructed.
There are also strict conditions on external lighting to protect the habitat of greater and lesser horseshoe bats that live around the site.