Abbeywood Estate, a wedding venue near Delamere Forest in Cheshire, has received planning permission to construct six glamping pods as part of a broader effort to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The application, submitted toward the end of 2024, was approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council in May 2025.
The approved development includes six timber glamping pods, each designed with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen area, and living space, according to Northwich & Winsford Guardian.
The site will be located between the A54 and the A556, in a wooded section of the estate adjacent to an existing tennis court and pavilion. The plans also call for new pathways and a dedicated parking area to support the new accommodations.
According to the planning application, the estate’s expansion into glamping aims to respond to challenges faced by the wedding and hospitality sectors during the pandemic, including widespread cancellations and a slowdown in new bookings between 2020 and 2022.
Abbeywood Estate currently operates a garden, a garden café, a flower shop, and a gift shop, but has limited lodging options available on-site.
In its application, the venue noted that “the demand for overnight stays across Cheshire West demonstrates the increasing importance of the visitor economy,” and added, “While there is alternative accommodation in the area, this is often priced at a premium.”
The council found the proposal to be in line with the local development plan.
A planning officer stated, “The proposed development would not have an unacceptable detrimental impact upon the character and appearance of the area, highway safety or neighbouring amenity.”
“As such, it is considered to comply with the provisions of the Cheshire West and Chester Council Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.”
The approval is subject to standard conditions, including a requirement that construction must begin within three years of the approval date.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, the approval highlights a growing trend of event venues diversifying their offerings to include unique lodging experiences.
This move reflects continued demand for glamping and short-stay accommodations, especially in areas where traditional lodging is limited or cost-prohibitive.
Operators considering similar expansions may find opportunities in responding to local accommodation shortages while enhancing their core business models.