Plans to develop a nine-unit glamping site near Enniskillen have drawn opposition from local residents and a councillor, with concerns centring on traffic safety, environmental impact, and the project’s alignment with planning policies.
The application, submitted for land about 200 metres south of 29 Oakfield Road, includes a reception building, toilet block, two sewage treatment plants, and associated infrastructure.
According to the proposal, the project is intended to serve the growing “staycation” market, which contributed an estimated £234 million to Northern Ireland’s economy, and to promote nature-based tourism experiences.
Thirteen objections have been lodged, including from Estelle and Andrew Latimer, pensioners living on Oakfield Road, who believe the road is unsuitable for the expected increase in vehicles and foot traffic.
“This is a narrow country road which is not wide enough for two vehicles to pass without one pulling over,” they said.
They noted that despite new houses being built over the last decade, the road has not been upgraded and still lacks footpaths and street lighting, raising safety concerns for both drivers and pedestrians.
Steven and Ann Monteith, who live within 100 metres of the proposed entrance, expressed similar concerns.
“The quiet, rural lifestyle we and our neighbours enjoy would be fundamentally threatened if this application were to proceed,” they told The Impartial Reporter, adding that their well-being and the local environment could be negatively affected.
SDLP councillor Adam Gannon has also objected, arguing that the proposal contradicts planning policies on tourism development, transport, and waste management.
He stated that the site lies outside settlement limits and suggested that there are “numerous undeveloped sites across Fermanagh within the settlement limits” that could be more suitable.
Gannon also questioned the road’s capacity to handle the type and amount of traffic the development would bring. “This is a road walked on by locals, and additional traffic not familiar with the area leads to an increased risk of collision,” he said.
Environmental concerns have also been raised over the proposed sewage treatment plants, with Gannon warning of “a risk of pollution into the Sillees River” and potential impacts on neighbouring properties.
For outdoor hospitality operators, the proposal reflects the broader market opportunity for glamping in Northern Ireland, particularly in rural destinations.
However, the strong local opposition underscores the importance of site selection, community engagement, and compliance with planning policies to balance tourism growth with rural character and resident safety.