A planning application has been submitted to Denbighshire County Council seeking permission to redevelop Siamber Wen Farm, located on the northwestern outskirts of Cynwyd near Corwen, as part of a rural diversification proposal intended to support tourism activity in the area.
The application, lodged by Arwel Davies of Cheval Starbox, proposes the demolition of an existing farmhouse and the construction of a replacement family dwelling. In addition, the plans include the redevelopment of a derelict barn to create two holiday-let units and the conversion of an existing outbuilding into a third holiday-let.
The proposal also seeks approval for the installation of two permanent glamping pods on the site. Access to the property would remain via an existing single-track country lane.
According to a planning statement submitted with the application, the proposal is aligned with wider tourism and economic objectives in Wales and Denbighshire. The statement says: “Tourism is a cornerstone of the Welsh rural economy.
According to Herald.Wales, visitor spending contributes over £5 billion annually and supports approximately 140,000 jobs.” It continues: “In Denbighshire alone, tourism generates over £500 million and employs around 6,000 people. The Council’s Destination Management Plan identifies a shortage of high-quality rural accommodation, particularly self-catering and boutique options.”
The applicant argues that the development would help address that identified gap. The statement adds:
“The Siamber Wen scheme directly addresses that shortfall. The three holiday units and two glamping pods will provide accommodation for around 20 guests at full occupancy, encouraging extended stays and local spending. Based on average visitor expenditure of £110 per person per day (Visit Wales 2024 figures), the scheme could inject over £400,000 per year into the local economy.”
Further justification is provided in relation to sustainability and land use. The planning statement says:
“The redevelopment of Siamber Wen Farm represents a carefully considered and sustainable form of rural diversification. It replaces an uninhabitable dwelling with an energy-efficient home; brings redundant buildings back into productive use; provides new high-quality visitor accommodation meeting identified demand; and delivers measurable economic, environmental, and social benefits.”
Planning documents note that the surrounding landscape is defined by dispersed farmsteads, pastureland, and traditional stone walls. While the site lies outside the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the report acknowledges that it contributes visually to the broader rural setting.
For outdoor hospitality, glamping, and self-catering operators, the application highlights several considerations increasingly relevant to rural development, including the reuse of existing structures, the balance between permanent housing and visitor accommodation, access constraints on rural lanes, and the need to demonstrate alignment with local tourism strategies and economic data.
The proposal will be reviewed by planning officers and is expected to be considered at a future meeting of Denbighshire County Council’s planning committee, where councillors will assess the development against local and national planning policies.