A new glamping development has been approved by the Ards and North Down Borough Council, despite receiving objections from local residents concerned about traffic, noise, and environmental impact.
On June 5, during a Planning Committee meeting held on Church Street in Newtownards, council members voted in favor of an application submitted by Richard McGrady for a glamping site consisting of seven pods, associated parking, open space, and landscaping.
The development is planned for a site approximately 100 metres south of 29E Carrowdore Road in Greyabbey, County Down.
The committee’s decision followed a split vote. Eight councillors voted in support of the application, representing Alliance, DUP, UUP, and the Greens.
Two councillors, both from the DUP, voted against the plan, while another two — one from the DUP and one from the Greens — abstained.
Planning officers had recommended approval, noting in their report that the project could provide tourism benefits to the wider Greyabbey area.
“It is considered that in principle there would be positive benefits to the wider Greyabbey area in terms of tourism, enhancing its offer,” the report stated.
The proposed glamping pods are designed as self-contained units with their own shower and toilet facilities, according to a BelfastLive.
According to submitted plans, each pod will be constructed off-site and transported to the location. Measuring approximately 20 metres in length, 6.8 metres in width, and 3.05 metres in height, the pods fall within the legal definition of a caravan.
Despite support from planning officials, the project drew seven letters of objection from local residents.
Concerns focused on increased traffic on the narrow access lane, potential blind spots, noise, disturbance, and impacts on local wildlife. Objectors also cited possible issues with litter, dogs, and light pollution.
Addressing some of these concerns, the planning report concluded that the proposed development was unlikely to cause significant harm.
“The separation distance to neighbouring properties will help to alleviate any potential noise and disturbance and will ensure privacy is not harmed,” it said.
The report further noted that existing hedgerows would be retained and supplemented with informal planting of oak and rowan trees to help integrate the development into the landscape.
Given the site’s distance from the main Carrowdore Road — approximately 250 metres — the report concluded that the visual impact would be minimal.
However, some councillors expressed reservations. DUP Alderman Alan Graham said:
“I have no objection whatsoever with the principle of the development, and I think it has been designed very well, but what I am very concerned about is the access to it. It is quite a long lane.”
He added: “Those seven pods will generate quite a bit of extra traffic, particularly in the peak seasons. I think there is going to be a certain disruption to the rural environment, caused by this development.”
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality industry, this decision highlights a number of key considerations when seeking planning approval for new glamping sites.
Despite public objections, the council’s approval underscores the growing recognition of glamping as a viable contributor to local tourism economies.
The case also demonstrates the importance of site access, self-contained unit design, environmental integration, and compliance with legal definitions such as caravan status when submitting applications.