Councillors to vote on application for wellbeing retreat at Porters Farm in Chedburgh, near Bury St Edmunds

A proposed wellbeing retreat on the site of a listed property will either be granted or rejected next week, as councillors have said they’re ‘minded to’ refuse but officers support approval.

The controversial application for a wellbeing centre on land at Porters Farm, a grade two listed building on Queen’s Lane in Chedburgh, near Bury St Edmunds, will return to councillors for a decision next Wednesday.

On April 5, councillors on West Suffolk Council’s development control committee raised co about over-development, alongside the impact on the countryside and neighbours.

However, officers remain firmly in support of approving the plans, which include a ‘kitchen/healing garden’, a ‘pets as therapy room’ and ‘glamping domes’, to be used for wellbeing workshops and by people staying over for respite care.

The officers’ report refers to a statement made after April’s meeting on behalf of applicants Jon and Laura Cardy, which explains: “The setting is required to be countryside because this is fundamental to the wellbeing centre – it needs to be tranquil.

“Concern has been raised about the acoustic impact of the gravel driveway. A shingle driveway has been selected to respect the listed property, while a gravel retention system will be used to deaden the noise generated.

“Concern has been raised regarding the impact on neighbours due to on-site animals. The number of animals on the site will not increase as a result of these proposals.”

The statement also explains that the main hub building will have an ‘agricultural style’ to suit the countryside location, and that the council’s principal conservation officer supported the plans – saying they would ‘enhance the immediate setting of the listed building’.

Officers believe the plans comply with local and national policies, and are backed up as statutory consultees support them.

At April’s meeting, cllr Susan Glossop branded it a very well-meaning project, cllr Peter Stevens said the proposal was an over-development and cllr Jason Crooks said the plan would bring urbanisation to the village.

Cllr David Roach said: "It is really really difficult – the aim is really good and much-needed but in planning terms it is really sitting close to the edge of what is acceptable."

A total of 14 objections from local residents had been submitted to the council before April’s meeting, and neighbour Winifred Evans said she felt strongly that holiday lets should not be allowed on the site.