A planning application for a small glamping development near Portstewart Golf Club has been submitted to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, proposing six glamping pods and associated amenities on land off Coleraine Road. The submission includes plans for an equipment store, a relaxation space, parking, and related site works.
According to the accompanying Planning Statement, the project site sits roughly 400 metres south of the Portstewart settlement development limit and falls within the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The applicant describes the project as a holiday park positioned near several established tourism destinations along the North Coast. The statement notes that the site is about 15 miles from Portrush and is intended to support “the accommodation needs of tourists, domestic and otherwise, visiting the attractions in this area.”
The Lower River Bann, highlighted in the area plan, is referenced as a local draw for water sports, angling, and cruising, according to the Northern Ireland World. Golf tourism is also cited as a continuing driver of demand, with Portrush and Portstewart frequently attracting visitors.
The Planning Statement points to recent tourism activity to illustrate expected demand, referencing events such as the Open Golf tournament held at Royal Portrush in the summer of 2025.
According to the document, that event resulted in high accommodation pressure across the region. The applicant argues that similar events are anticipated “on a more regular basis” in the coming years, reinforcing the need for additional rural tourism bed spaces.
The proposal’s proximity to Portstewart Golf Club is presented as a potential benefit for the local visitor economy.
The statement notes that the course is located less than 100 metres from the application site and identifies it as “a popular golfing destination.” The applicant contends that the availability of additional lodging options could support visitor activity associated with the club.
For operators and developers in the outdoor hospitality sector, the application highlights ongoing demand for small-scale, flexible accommodation near high-traffic tourism corridors.
If approved, the project would add a limited number of glamping units within an area already experiencing strong seasonal visitation, illustrating the continued role of niche lodging formats in meeting peak-event-driven demand.
The development also reflects a broader trend where local councils across the UK and Ireland are reviewing an increasing number of proposals involving glamping pods and low-impact structures in scenic and high-value tourism areas.