A former Christmas tree farm on the Isle of Wight, featuring planning permission for 13 eco-friendly glamping pods, is set to go up for auction with a guide price starting at £250,000.
The woodland property, marketed as “land with planning” by agents BCM Wilson Hill, is located just south of Newclose County Cricket Ground on Blackwater Road in Newport. The site spans 4.42 hectares (10.93 acres) and is being offered freehold with vacant possession.
Previously used as a Christmas tree farm, the woodland benefits from direct access to Blackwater Road and is a short drive from Newport town center. Agents have noted that the site’s potential use is “likely to prove popular, in view of the Island’s strong tourism heritage.”
The Isle of Wight Council granted planning permission for a revised scheme on August 3, 2023, under reference 21/00909/FUL. The approved plans include 13 glamping pods, a reception building, ablution facilities, amenity ponds, a barbecue area, and associated car parking, subject to planning conditions.
Viewings of the site are available by appointment with BCM Wilson Hill, according to Isle of Wight County Press. Bidding for the property will open at 12 p.m. on March 24, 2026, and will close on March 26.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality and glamping sectors, this property highlights the potential of repurposing existing land, such as former agricultural or forestry sites, into tourism accommodations.
The approved planning permission reduces lead time for operators looking to enter the glamping market, and the location near a town center could support visitor accessibility and local economic engagement. Investors should also consider the regulatory requirements and planning conditions tied to the site when evaluating its operational potential.
This auction may attract buyers looking to develop small-scale, eco-friendly tourism ventures in areas with established visitor interest. The combination of planning permission, natural surroundings, and proximity to local amenities demonstrates how strategic land use can align with tourism trends on the Isle of Wight.