Herefordshire planners have given the go-ahead for a holiday campsite in a picturesque county village.

Applicant, Ruth Rennick, wants to set up the site on a field at Playford, Much Marcle near Ledbury.

The proposals include ten pitched for tents, five permanent cabins, five shepherd huts and 20 car parking spaces.

Ward councillor Barry Durkin said he supported the scheme which would be self-sufficient with solar panels. He said: “You are not looking at a usual campsite. The proposal encompasses three elements cabins, permaculture gardening and camping.

“We cannot ignore tourism in this county as it accounts for a significant amount of income. I believe this application would be good for tourism and provide some employment.”

Much Marcle Parish Council objected to the proposals because it is not supported by their emerging neighbourhood development plan.

Parish council representatives said the scheme was outside the settlement boundary in open countryside and it did not address local housing needs. They also felt the tourism business case was not proven.

However, despite a further four objections from residents there were 26 comments supporting the plans.

Councillor Dave Greenow said he was glad to see changes to the scheme since its deferral last month. He said: “It’s a positive development. I would recommend approving this. It’s very sustainable. It’s a very enterprising place in the rural economy.”

Councillor Felicity Norman said she was very supportive of the scheme but had concerns for the wildlife in a hedge that will be moved as part of the proposals. She said: “Hedges generally are very valuable. They are often written off but it has the equivalent value of 400 square metres of woodland.

“So I would make a strong plea for this to be done properly. If it is to be translocated let’s make sure it is done properly.”

The planning committee overruled its officers’ recommendation for refusal and approved the scheme by eight votes to two with four abstentions.