AGXStarseed
Well-Known Member
(Not written by me)
A wide range of opinions have been voiced on plans for an autistic friendly campsite on the edge of a leafy Mid Devon village.
A wide range of opinions have been voiced on plans for an autistic friendly campsite on the edge of a leafy Mid Devon village.
The proposed area of family getaway spot, Leafy Fields Glamping, could be created on land at Ashill, near Uffculme.
The development near Ingleton Farm includes provision for two shepherd's huts, a sensory room, two safari tents, six bell tents, and a small equestrian area for five miniature horses to graze.
Many nearby villagers are furious about the plans.
One objector, Jane Killick, said: "Autism is not child-specific, it continues into adulthood and can be extremely severe. Noises, needs and behaviour can be disruptive to others and this will all have direct effect on the neighbours and all local residents
"In the quiet of the countryside noise carries a long way, and an 'autistic meltdown' which can be made up of screaming as well as hitting, punching, scratching can last well up to half an hour at any time of the night or day.
"Not to mention the general effects of 50 odd people's loud voices at all times of the day and into the late evening that will have a massively detrimental effect on local residents.
"These 'melt-downs' can often also take the form of running away, and supporters have already commented on their children running away from campsites and getting lost in dark country lanes.
Jane also cites a lack of local economic or environmental benefit, bright lighting, no overnight management and the effect on local traffic as reasons for objecting.
She added: "There will be effect on the local traffic, the owners appear to be underplaying the number and frequency of vehicles.
"They do not appear to have any awareness of the difficulties already in the centre of the village or of the problems agricultural vehicles or other vehicles have when meeting inexperienced drivers who are unable to reverse and do not know the local safe passing places on these narrow single track lanes bordered by high hedges.
"There is also genuine concern about the increased number of vehicles and the impact on the safety of other road users- walkers, children, cyclists and horse riders."
She added: "Objectors are not against an autism friendly camping site being set up. Their concerns are genuine and focus around the unsuitability of this specific site."
Melanie Bright agrees, she said: "I strongly oppose the above application.
"My husband and I have lived in the village for 27 years, and feel it is unnecessary for a camp site next to a busy farm when there are plenty of good camp sites already in quieter areas in the locality."
Many have strongly disagreed with the views of objectors.
Maria Scholey said: "Oh come on, let's not pretend that this is about traffic. Two huts, Two safari tents and six bell tents do not traffic chaos make.
"Some of the comments in the article are just shameful. Maybe, just maybe, they will relish being able to holiday somewhere where they and their children are safe and accepted.
Samantha Mitchell said: "Disgraceful behaviour. The villagers should be ashamed."
The stable block set to be converted
Roisin O'Connell said : "My older brother is autistic and it is so difficult to take him anywhere with noise but this would have been perfect for us.
"Come on, these kids need this. Why should parents with Autism children only have a handful of safe places to take their child on holiday," added Stacey Drew.
A statement from the owners, mum and dad Andrew and Danielle Sheard, reads: "We intend our campsite to provide an autism friendly camping experience for the whole family.
"Although, the site and all that is proposed will be geared towards creating a safe environment for the enjoyment of autistic children and their families.
"This is something that is very close to our hearts that we have a great experience having three members of our family on the autistic spectrum.
"The intention is to provide a facility for families with children who have special needs specifically autism. We intended to work towards the National Autistic Society Access Award.
"We, at times, as a family have found it difficult to relax on holiday and our aim is to deliver a holiday destination for parents who will have total peace of mind that their children will have an enjoyable and safe experience.
Adding: "However the site is not exclusively for autistic children and their families; all young families will be welcomed with the aim of raising autism awareness and creating a sustainable business."
The development will also include the conversion of existing stables into shower/toilets, an office for the campsite, meeting room, washing facilities and storage.
The existing access to the site will be widened to make it safer to enter and leave.
A decision to defer the decision on the plans was made at a recent Mid Devon District Council planning committee - giving them more time to mull it over.
The final verdict is expected to be made at the end of the month.
SOURCE: http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co....ves-decisive/story-29897068-detail/story.html
A wide range of opinions have been voiced on plans for an autistic friendly campsite on the edge of a leafy Mid Devon village.
A wide range of opinions have been voiced on plans for an autistic friendly campsite on the edge of a leafy Mid Devon village.
The proposed area of family getaway spot, Leafy Fields Glamping, could be created on land at Ashill, near Uffculme.
The development near Ingleton Farm includes provision for two shepherd's huts, a sensory room, two safari tents, six bell tents, and a small equestrian area for five miniature horses to graze.
Many nearby villagers are furious about the plans.
One objector, Jane Killick, said: "Autism is not child-specific, it continues into adulthood and can be extremely severe. Noises, needs and behaviour can be disruptive to others and this will all have direct effect on the neighbours and all local residents
"In the quiet of the countryside noise carries a long way, and an 'autistic meltdown' which can be made up of screaming as well as hitting, punching, scratching can last well up to half an hour at any time of the night or day.
"Not to mention the general effects of 50 odd people's loud voices at all times of the day and into the late evening that will have a massively detrimental effect on local residents.
"These 'melt-downs' can often also take the form of running away, and supporters have already commented on their children running away from campsites and getting lost in dark country lanes.
Jane also cites a lack of local economic or environmental benefit, bright lighting, no overnight management and the effect on local traffic as reasons for objecting.
She added: "There will be effect on the local traffic, the owners appear to be underplaying the number and frequency of vehicles.
"They do not appear to have any awareness of the difficulties already in the centre of the village or of the problems agricultural vehicles or other vehicles have when meeting inexperienced drivers who are unable to reverse and do not know the local safe passing places on these narrow single track lanes bordered by high hedges.
"There is also genuine concern about the increased number of vehicles and the impact on the safety of other road users- walkers, children, cyclists and horse riders."
She added: "Objectors are not against an autism friendly camping site being set up. Their concerns are genuine and focus around the unsuitability of this specific site."
Melanie Bright agrees, she said: "I strongly oppose the above application.
"My husband and I have lived in the village for 27 years, and feel it is unnecessary for a camp site next to a busy farm when there are plenty of good camp sites already in quieter areas in the locality."
Many have strongly disagreed with the views of objectors.
Maria Scholey said: "Oh come on, let's not pretend that this is about traffic. Two huts, Two safari tents and six bell tents do not traffic chaos make.
"Some of the comments in the article are just shameful. Maybe, just maybe, they will relish being able to holiday somewhere where they and their children are safe and accepted.
Samantha Mitchell said: "Disgraceful behaviour. The villagers should be ashamed."
The stable block set to be converted
Roisin O'Connell said : "My older brother is autistic and it is so difficult to take him anywhere with noise but this would have been perfect for us.
"Come on, these kids need this. Why should parents with Autism children only have a handful of safe places to take their child on holiday," added Stacey Drew.
A statement from the owners, mum and dad Andrew and Danielle Sheard, reads: "We intend our campsite to provide an autism friendly camping experience for the whole family.
"Although, the site and all that is proposed will be geared towards creating a safe environment for the enjoyment of autistic children and their families.
"This is something that is very close to our hearts that we have a great experience having three members of our family on the autistic spectrum.
"The intention is to provide a facility for families with children who have special needs specifically autism. We intended to work towards the National Autistic Society Access Award.
"We, at times, as a family have found it difficult to relax on holiday and our aim is to deliver a holiday destination for parents who will have total peace of mind that their children will have an enjoyable and safe experience.
Adding: "However the site is not exclusively for autistic children and their families; all young families will be welcomed with the aim of raising autism awareness and creating a sustainable business."
The development will also include the conversion of existing stables into shower/toilets, an office for the campsite, meeting room, washing facilities and storage.
The existing access to the site will be widened to make it safer to enter and leave.
A decision to defer the decision on the plans was made at a recent Mid Devon District Council planning committee - giving them more time to mull it over.
The final verdict is expected to be made at the end of the month.
SOURCE: http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co....ves-decisive/story-29897068-detail/story.html
