A proposed camping and caravan site near Sidmouth has been refused planning permission.

The owners of Boswell Farm Holiday Cottages, based between Sidford and Harcombe, applied for a change of use to a piece of their land, to create 16 pitches for caravans and campervans, a separate area for camping, and a toilet/shower block.

The plans attracted 101 objections from local residents and councillors. They were concerned that the development would spoil an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, harm wildlife, and cause traffic congestion in the narrow country roads, particularly Under Lane which would be used to access the site.

The application has now been refused permission by planning officers at East Devon District Council, who said the proposed development would be ‘wholly unacceptable’.

They said it ‘would introduce highly prominent features into the existing pastoral and agricultural environment’, resulting in an ‘immediate and significant transformative impact upon the present undeveloped landscape character of both the site and much of the surrounding area.’

They also objected to the loss of agricultural land, which they said could not be justified by the economic benefits of the proposal.

The applicant has six months to appeal against the refusal.