A former journalist is preparing to launch a two-pod glamping retreat on a family farm in Llannefydd, on the Conwy-Denbighshire border in Wales, following nearly three years of planning applications and revisions.
Kelly Williams, who spent about 20 years working for regional and national publications including the North Wales Pioneer, Evening Leader, North Wales Live/Daily Post, and The Daily Star, is developing Glampio Plas Panton with her partner, fourth-generation Welsh farmer and mechanic Dyfan Owen.
Groundwork and landscaping are currently underway, with the couple aiming to open the site by New Year. The project is part of an effort to diversify the farm’s existing agricultural operations and create an additional source of income from tourism.
Kelly told the North Wales Pioneer that the planning process presented significant challenges. The couple initially sought permission for four glamping pods on a field across the road from the farmyard, but the application was refused despite what she described as support from neighboring residents. They subsequently moved the proposed development to land on the farm side of the road, but the application was again refused.
“We naively thought if you have your own land, you can do what you want on it – within reason. But we were in for a rude awakening with all the rules around agricultural land and council red tape.
“We initially asked for permission for four glamping pods on a field across the road from the farm yard, but that was refused, despite support from all the neighbours.
“So we moved it to our side of the road, but the council refused again citing a tourism policy, even though there were other similar schemes being granted approval by different planning officers.
“We dropped the number of pods down to two and were prepared to have the matter called in before the planning committee when we were eventually granted planning permission.
“After what feels like an eternity, we finally have two glamping pods and are currently in the process of carrying out groundworks and landscaping with hopes to be open by New Year.”
The final proposal provides for two pods rather than the original four. Each unit is planned to include an en-suite bathroom, sauna, hot tub, underfloor heating, and views toward the Clwydian Range.
For Williams and Owen, the project also represents a significant career change. Williams said she had no farming background before moving to the farm and becoming involved in the day-to-day work alongside raising a family and maintaining her journalism career.
“I was a single mum with two kids working full time as a journalist when I randomly met Dyfan at Yuppies nightclub in Rhyl.
“As the relationship evolved, I ended up moving to the farm – literally packing up all my belongings in a livestock trailer. Soon afterwards, I discovered I was pregnant.
“All of a sudden, life got really busy, with Dyfan running the farm and garage and me working full time from home while juggling busy family life.
“Despite having no farming background whatsoever, I seemed to become a farm hand overnight with ongoing on-the-job training in cattle herding and sheep sorting.
“That was when I decided it was time for a career change and looked into what we could do to diversify, hence the glamping idea was born.”
The planned retreat will combine accommodation with wellness-oriented amenities and the surrounding agricultural and natural setting. The couple also hopes to introduce additional facilities and services connected to the farm and its environment as the business develops.
For farm operators considering tourism diversification, the project highlights the importance of accounting for planning requirements before committing to a glamping development. The couple’s experience also illustrates how the number and location of accommodation units can change during the approval process, potentially affecting development costs, site design, and the eventual revenue potential of a project.
Williams said the move away from journalism does not mean she has stopped creating stories, as she plans to use social media to document the new business.
“Although it’s sad to be leaving journalism, I don’t really feel like I am because I’m still telling stories through social media, but this time, they’re our own.
“I still do have to pinch myself though. If you’d have told me 10 years ago that I’d end up chasing around after animals and about to open a farm glamping site, I’d never have believed you.”
