A glamping business tucked away in a country park in Netley is asking to stay put after admitting it has been operating for years without full planning permission.
Bell Tent Glamping, based in Royal Victoria Country Park at Netley, has submitted a retrospective application to Eastleigh Borough Council.
It comes after a complaint revealed that the site was not fully approved.
The site has operated in the country park for eight years under a commercial contract with the county council.
Owner of Bell Tent Glamping, John Wild, said he apologises “unreservedly for the oversight” and emphasised that the business is one with “good intentions”.
In the application, Mr Wild said all the buildings are temporary structures, and that the site is largely hidden from view, away from the main park.
The site comprises of ten bell tents, six camping pods and a handful of small service buildings that can be towed, lifted or dismantled, he said.
There is an existing shared toilet and shower block, along with a shared kitchen, small laundry area and store.
The glamping site is described as “sustainable and community-focused”, employing local people, taking work‑experience pupils from nearby schools and running an annual week‑long stay for families in financial need.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr Wild said the campsite was used to house and help rehabilitate homeless people.
He said: “We are a community employer, and we help finance the country park as we pay them considerable rent to be there.”
Traffic is limited to about 16 extra cars at peak times in a car park designed for thousands.
The operation is pitched as a “quiet, family‑oriented site”, with a “no noise after 11pm” rule enforced by on‑site management.
Mr Wild said: “I hope that I have demonstrated that we are a company with good intentions, operating in a considered and considerate manner, to the benefit of our surroundings, customers, and employees.
“I hope that we might be granted planning permission for us to be able to continue operating on the site for year-round success.”
A decision on the application will be made on July 7.
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