Planning officers from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council have approved an application for four glamping pods on agricultural land near 48 Tullynawood Road, Darkley.
The application was submitted by ADA Architects, Newry, on behalf of Mrs N. Fegan of Clay Road, Keady, and was assessed by council officers under existing rural planning and tourism policies.
According to the planning report, the development will consist of two types of glamping pods. “Glamping pod type 1 (x2) will accommodate one double bed and a two-person sofa bed, with a floor area of 18m2 (6m x 3m),” officers stated. A further two units will be larger, with officers noting, “Glamping pod type 2 (x2) will accommodate one double [bed], 1 single bed and a two-person sofa bed, with a floor area of 23.1m2 (6.6m x 3.5m).”
All four pods will have a ridge height of three metres, timber cladding, and an arched design, with walls meeting at the apex. Each unit will include a decked area to the front.
Vehicular access will be taken from the south-western boundary via Tullynawood Road, with a new internal route serving two pods in the north-east of the site and a pedestrian path connecting the remaining pods. Four car-parking spaces are included as part of the proposal.
In assessing the application, officers highlighted the site’s proximity to existing recreational and tourism assets. The applicant referenced Tullynawood Lake, located approximately 50 metres east of the site, which includes a jetty and parking area.
According to Amarghi, a further access point to the lake, approximately 100 metres to the north-east, supports activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching. Darkley Fairy Village, situated within Darkley Forest around 0.5 miles from the site, was also identified as a nearby attraction.
The council’s Tourism section confirmed that both Tullynawood Lake and Darkley Forest are listed on the council’s Get Active ABC website. Officers concluded that “the proposed self-catering accommodation will complement existing tourism enterprises in the area, promoting sustainable economic benefits.”
Landscaping measures include new tree and shrub planting around the pods and along the internal road, while existing hedgerows and trees will be retained. Officers stated that, given the timber construction and landscaping proposals, the development is expected to integrate with the surrounding landscape and support biodiversity.
For glamping and outdoor hospitality operators, the approval highlights the continued willingness of councils to support small-scale, well-integrated accommodation near established outdoor amenities.
The decision underscores the importance of site selection, environmental integration, and alignment with local tourism strategies when bringing new rural accommodation projects forward.