A glamping site owner's bid to expand her Welsh farm with additional luxury tents has been rejected after neighbors complained about noise and late-night "shenanigans." Elizabeth Pengelly, owner of Swallows Nest Farm in Abergavenny, sought permission to add four shepherd huts and four bell tents to her existing site, which currently features two shepherd huts and alpacas.
The proposals faced strong opposition from local residents in Monmouthshire. Concerns ranged from the potential increase in traffic on a narrow, single-lane road to the noise generated by holidaymakers. Some residents also voiced complaints about hearing "every word" from existing accommodations, describing sounds of "swearing and drinking" and "couples getting romantic late at night."
One resident, 90-year-old Yvonne Saddler, expressed relief at the decision, stating that the expansion would have made their lives "an utter misery." While she acknowledged concerns about late-night romance, her primary worry was the impact of increased vehicle traffic on the local road. Her husband, 91-year-old Brian Saddler, who has lived next to the field for 32 years, emphasized the peace and quiet he valued, noting that noise from existing huts had already disrupted the tranquility.
Another local told The Sun they had to "put up with the sound of couples getting amorous when they go to bed," adding, "I am no killjoy, but I just don’t want to be living right next door to what sometimes sounds like an orgy."
Labour councillor Dale Rooke also noted that tents, being less soundproof than other structures, would likely amplify any noise. An independent inspector, Lowri Hughson-Smith, upheld the Monmouthshire County Council's decision to reject the plans, citing 15 objections from the community. The inspector agreed that holidaymakers could be active at various times, including evenings and throughout the summer months, leading to irregular pedestrian and vehicle movements.
Ms. Pengelly had argued that noise from a nearby rail line and airfield should be considered, but the inspector found the area generally benefits from a quiet environment. The decision means the farm will continue with its two existing shepherd huts and alpaca walks, without the proposed expansion of bell tents and additional shepherd huts.