Glamping development at St Helena Rd, Mcleod’s Shoot, returns before Byron Council

A Byron Hinterland rural residential glamping site that was previously knocked back by council over incorrect zoning has returned with a new plan.

A controversial site overlooking Cape Byron with shutdown hopes for a glamping set up is the subject of a renewed development proposal.

Plans for a primitive camping set up including eight glamping sites at 194 St Helena Rd, Mcleod’s Shoot, were previously refused by Byron Shire Council in March last year due to incorrect zoning.

At the time, council had heard the land was being used as a wedding venue with accommodation for 10 years without prior council approval - and that two glamping tents were already constructed before the development was considered.

An example facade of the proposed glamping tents. Picture: GlamXperience

Now owners Robert and Billie Schwamberg have re-lodged a revised application, which is on public exhibition.

The new documents see the camping grounds reduced to six tents; and seeks legal advice on the original council determination that the development did not constitute as primitive camping.

The 13.63ha lot is located southwest of Byron Bay at the top of the enviable St Helena escarpment and overlooks Cape Byron and beyond.

An example layout of some of the proposed glamping tents. Picture: GlamXperience

The new development would come in at an estimated cost of $85,500. The most expensive of the GlamXperience tents, a wellness safari tent, would cost $42,535 to build.

The sites would contain a deck area with an en suite, individual hot water supply, and roomy bed set up.

An adjoining bush regeneration program to grow trees for native wildlife was also highlighted in planning documents.

The layout of the six glamping sites proposed for 194 St Helena Rd, Mcleod’s Shoot. Picture: Contributed

While guests will have the ability to use the existing internal driveway, no carparking will be permitted adjacent to the respective sites, according to the new planning documents.

The development submission is open for community feedback until September 14.