NFDC to decide on alcohol licence for glamping site at Cadland, near Calshot

ORGANISERS of a luxury glamping site in Calshot offering yoga and massages have sparked fears of crime and disturbance with a bid to serve alcohol.

The site, off Jack Maynard Road, on the Cadland estate, opened on 9th July and has so far been granted temporary event notices to allow the sale of drink.

Costs can hit £2,599 for a three-night stay for four in a sea-view safari suite, and organisers have promised the location would not become a “festival site”, with premium prices deterring troublemakers.

But it has drawn strong objections from local district councillor Alexis McEvoy who wrote to New Forest District Council: “I am strongly of the view that granting a licence would encourage serious public safety issues and constitute a real public nuisance.

“It is expected there could be an influx of several hundred ‘happy campers’ at any one time which will more than double the entire population of Calshot. The risk of increased petty crime is inevitable.”

She added: “To allow the purchase of alcohol and on-site drinking from 11am to 11pm would be highly irresponsible and, with the sea on the edge of the site, the possible consequences are there for all to see.

“I would not like to see NFDC cited as complicit in any drownings.”

Next week NFDC’s licensing sub-committee will decide the application, from Destination Pop Up Ltd, to serve alcohol at the site’s restaurant and bar from 11am-11pm daily until 30th August.

The Landmark Trust, which lets the nearby Grade II Luttrell’s Tower to holidaymakers, is also against the proposal.

Simon Verdon, on behalf of the buildings restoration charity, said: “One of the charms of Luttrell’s is its setting – it lies well away from any major roads or other noise disturbance but this suggested use of the neighbouring land will severely impact upon this peace and quiet.

“As we have sold holidays on this basis we will need to inform guests that their stay may be compromised which will lead to us having to return funds. These funds would no longer be available for our core charitable purpose of saving buildings.”

Five letters of objection have also been received by residents with concerns about noise, traffic and disturbance.

Documents submitted by Destination Pop Up Ltd assured: “The supply of alcohol will be restricted to temporary residents on the site and to non-residents who are dining in the restaurant.

“No regulated entertainment will be provided nor any late night refreshment.”

Organisers added the site has a maximum capacity of 250 booked campers, adding: “This is not a ‘festival site’ or anything similar – frankly, there is little to do on site but to enjoy the wonderful scenery, relax, chill out and use the site as a base to enjoy all that the New Forest has to offer or simply to stay on site or on the beach.

“It is not exactly the cheapest place to stay and that in turn has also served to ensure that those attending have been well behaved and have not caused any issues.”

The Calshot Pop Up Hotel website describes the “exclusive” location as “a stunning sea-view glamping site” boasting access to a private beach, bar and restaurant, and water sports. Guests can also enjoy yoga and massages.

The sub-committee will meet on Thursday to discuss the proposal.