AG Wilson has secured planning permission from Falkirk Council to expand its glamping offer at West Riverside Farm in Fankerton, Denny, following a decision issued on Friday, February 6. The application, which was lodged on October 17 last year, sought approval to construct four additional glamping pods on land that already accommodates two units.
In a supporting statement submitted with the application, AG Wilson outlined the performance of the existing accommodation and the rationale for expansion. “Following the successful launch of our initial two glamping pods in March 2025, we are pleased to submit this application for planning permission to install a further four glamping pods on our site.
“Since of opening, the existing pods have consistently achieved an average occupancy rate 70 per cent, demonstrating strong and sustained demand. We are also proud to have received a 9.4 “Superb” rating on Booking.com, reflecting the high level of satisfaction from our guests.
“The proposed expansion will allow us to build on this momentum and further enhance the tourism offering in the region. Importantly, the development will also create four new employment opportunities – a site manager, a cleaner, a grounds person and a maintenance operative.”
According to the council’s officer report, the application site lies at West Riverside Farm, west of Denny, where there is a house and a complex of buildings formerly used for agricultural purposes, along with an extensive yard area.
According to The Falkirk Herald, the most recent use of the buildings was for equestrian-related activities. The report notes that there are currently two existing glamping pods at the top of the embankment and that the site provides extensive views to the north over the Carron Valley.
“The proposal is to construct four beehive-style single-bed glamping pods. They are smaller in size and height than the two existing pods, which have two double bedrooms and are flat-roofed,” planners stated.
The approval enables the business to increase its total number of pods from two to six, potentially strengthening its year-round revenue base and diversifying accommodation types by introducing smaller, single-bed units alongside the existing larger pods.
For operators in the outdoor hospitality sector, the project highlights how performance data such as occupancy rates and guest review scores can support planning applications and expansion strategies.
It also illustrates how rural farm diversification continues to be used as a pathway to generate additional income streams and local employment, particularly where sites can demonstrate sustained demand and limited landscape impact.