PLANS for an holistic retreat on a 22-acre smallholding in the Blackdown Hills have been given the go-ahead despite local objections.

Taunton Deane Borough Council’s planning committee backed reflexologist Emma Finch’s bid to create the retreat on pasture and woodland at Oatens Farm Lane, Churchstanton, with conditions.

Councillors had been recommended to grant conditional approval to site six shepherd’s huts or tents on the site to serve as holiday accommodation.

The plans also include converting a barn for guest facilities, parking spaces and compostable toilets. Miss Finch described her proposals as: “A small low-impact and off-grid 12-person holistic (whole mind, body and spirit) residential rural healing retreat/sanctuary focusing on the healing powers that nature has in abundance.”

In her application she said a range of therapies and treatments would be available to visitors.

“The land offers a stunning, peaceful and most enchanting natural setting for both physical and mental health and well-being opportunities for people to enjoy,” she said.

She pledged to work one-to-one with guests as well as using artists, yoga teachers and healers for ‘small scale workshops’.

Among the guests she hopes to attract would be children from challenging upbringings, people with mental health issues such as depression, the bereaved, writers and artists.

Churchstanton Parish Council opposed the proposals on the grounds of unsuitable access, light pollution from the glass-fronted barn, noise pollution, while the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership also voiced concerns over the scheme.

A further ten letters of objection including were received.