Skip to content

Glamping pods idea shot down

Share
Be the first to share!
By Marc McLean, local democracy reporter
Front
Glamping pods idea shot down

A BID to install fancy glamping pods with an aircraft theme has been shot down by Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Steven and Tracey Roan had submitted a planning application to site three of the upmarket pods in an agricultural field near their home at Portling on the south-eastern side of White Hill.

The pods, pictured, are manufactured by Yorkshire company Anthropods and are named after pioneering French aviator, Louis Blériot, the first person to fly the English Channel in 1909.
“The semi-monocoque construction of the pods would resemble part of an aircraft fuselage in shape,” according to council planning papers.
The couple were also seeking permission to install a shared septic tank, create five car parking spaces and a turning area, aswell as footpaths on the site.
The matter came before the council’s planning committee on Wednesday where it was heard that 25 objections had been lodged, while 11 individuals put forward their support for the plans.
Colvend and Southwick Community Council members said they have “empathy” for the applicant, but are unhappy with the proposed location for the glamping pods.
The objection reads: “The pods, which are distinctive and approximately 3.6m high, are to be sited high up on a hill adjacent to the popular coastal path.
“It is widely thought by residents that they would be visible for some distance and not at all sympathetic to the National Scenic Area designation for this area.
“Concern was also raised that another path through the proposed site would be lost to walkers. The pods would also be overlooking existing properties and privacy concerns were raised.”
It continues: “The community council recognises the strength of opposition within the Portling and Port o’ Warren communities for this application and are unable to support it.
“The applicants were asked if they had found any support in either of the two communities for this application and they could provide none at this time.
“This decision would be reviewed if another less controversial location was put forward.”
Steven and Tracey Roan attended the planning committee to argue their case.
Mr Roan explained that the glamping pods were for visiting couples or families, and added: “There will be no stag or hen parties.
“There will also be no hot tubs or fire pits to help reduce noise.”
The businessmean also argued that the pods are well designed and would “blend into the hillside unlike caravans or modern rendered houses”.
However, planning officials recommended that the application be refused on the grounds that it would have a significant negative impact on the landscape and also went against local development plan policy.
Councillors agreed and turned down the glamping pods proposal.

Sport

26th Oct

It's a derby day!

By Newsdesk | DNG24