Derry City and Strabane District Council has received a planning application for the installation of three glamping pods in the townland of Loughash, situated between Plumbridge and Donemana.
The proposal was recently submitted and is now under consideration by council planners.
According to the accompanying Design and Access Statement, the pods will take the form of shepherds’ huts, to be built locally by “expert craftsmen using eco-friendly products.”
The statement notes that “all materials are sourced from recycled products and sustainable forests.”
The developer’s submission describes the project as a small-scale addition to the area’s existing accommodation options, citing nearby facilities such as the Owenkillew Accommodation Centre, Cranagh Cottages, Plumbridge Glamping Pod, as well as various bed and breakfasts and guesthouses.
“There has always been a need for self-catering units,” the statement adds.
The proposal states that the huts will be integrated into the surrounding landscape, with additional planting intended to help them blend into the existing trees and hedgerows.
According to the Derry Journal, the development site is described as being within easy walking distance of Donemana village and close to Plumbridge.
However, the statement emphasises that it “will not dominate it, adversely affect landscape setting, or otherwise contribute to urban sprawl.”
For outdoor hospitality professionals, this application reflects a broader trend in Northern Ireland and the UK toward small-scale, sustainable glamping developments designed to meet growing demand for self-catering stays.
Such projects often leverage proximity to established tourism areas while focusing on low environmental impact, a factor increasingly valued by both planning authorities and visitors.
Operators considering similar ventures may note that planners often assess integration into the local environment and the avoidance of overdevelopment as key decision-making factors.
The council has not yet indicated when a decision on the application will be made. If approved, the development could contribute to the area’s rural tourism offer while adding to the diversity of accommodation types available to visitors.