Part of a former sand quarry near Tipton St John can be developed for glamorous camping – or ‘glamping’ – after a development was approved.

Sandgate Developments Ltd can now diversify its income at Stonehill Quarry by installing six ‘mobile accommodation pods’ and a reception pod.

East Devon District Council’s development management committee approved the application against officer advice, but with several conditions.

A report to members noted that Tipton is 600 metres away, but there are no footpaths or cycle routes to the village – resulting in more cars on the roads.

The officers added: “The proposal is also considered unacceptable as it would extend into an area of open countryside which is primarily rural in its nature, resulting in visual intrusion that would harm the landscape character of the surrounding area.

“While the potential economic and social benefits of the proposal are noted, they are considered insufficient to outweigh the harm to the landscape and override the concerns regarding the scheme’s impact on sustainability.”

There were also objections from five neighbouring residents, who voiced fears about overlooking into their bedrooms and gardens.

They added that there was little vegetation to block noise and were worried that the six proposed pods represented the start of further expansion of the site.

Planning permission was granted in 2010 for 11 industrial workshops on the northern part of the former quarry. The new application said construction was under way, but the subsequent economic downturn means there has been difficulty financing the project.

Sandgate Developments Ltd now intends to diversify to generate income by constructing the glamping pods for sale and renting them out. The pods will accommodate up to four people.

The application was approved by DMC members subject to a number of restrictions – there should be no amplified sound, no unapproved external lighting should be installed and the facilities should only be used for holiday accommodation purposes.