Planners review ‘glamping’ project

BENTONVILLE — Benton County planners got their first look at a “glamorous camping” development proposed near Beaver Lake.

The Development Review Committee on Thursday heard Kourtney Connell explain her plans for an upscale camping business she hopes to establish on 40 acres on Posey Mountain Turnoff Road.

The committee includes planning staff, the fire marshal, building safety staff and representatives from the state Health Department and other county departments as needed. The committee gives developers a chance to present their plans in an informal setting before going through the full planning process, which may include a review and public hearing before the Planning Board.

Connell, a Bentonville resident, said she’s interested in a business offering a camping experience “without all the hassles.”

She said the property would have permanent tents on elevated decks, with each having water, electricity, heating and air-conditioning, furniture and bedding.

“That’s what I’m going for,” Connell said. “I really don’t know what I’m getting myself into.”

Taylor Reamer, planning director, explained a commercial venture such as the one Connell proposed would have to go through the full planning process, She would need to have a detailed site plan showing the location of the camp sites and how they will be supplied with utilities.

The Health Department would have to approve a

septic system for the development. Reamer also said the property would need an access road built to handle fire trucks.

Reamer said Connell’s initial proposal shouldn’t present too many problems.

“In Benton County, we don’t have zoning, we have land-use regulations,” Reamer said. “Having 25 units on 40 acres is pretty low density. You’re not going to change the character of the area. The impact you have on the area is pretty minimal.”

Connell said after the meeting she doesn’t know of another such development in the area. She said the closest she has seen is in Chester.