A proposal to develop a small-scale glamping site on agricultural land near the Welsh Wildlife Centre has been submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council.
The application, filed by Zoe Delaney through planning agent Archi Tech, seeks permission to convert a parcel of land adjacent to Coolawn, Cilgerran, into a tourism site that would feature six glamping units: two bell tents, two yurt-style tents, and two dome-style tents.
The application also includes provisions for parking and associated infrastructure.
According to the submitted planning documents, the proposed development is intended to complement the nearby Welsh Wildlife Centre by offering accommodation that enables visitors to participate in local nature-based activities.
A supporting statement from the applicant notes, “Given the site’s close proximity to the Welsh Wildlife Centre, the proposal offers a good opportunity to support local conservation initiatives.”
According to The Pembrokeshire Herald, the statement also highlights the Centre’s existing programming, which includes educational services, craft skills workshops, organized walks, and bird-watching activities.
The proposed glamping site is designed with environmental sustainability in mind, with the applicant emphasizing the use of low-impact and natural materials in the construction of the units.
“Each of the units are constructed of high-quality natural materials. Lower impact units of accommodation are proposed which are more sustainable than typical forms of accommodations such as hotels, guesthouses or bed and breakfast units,” the planning statement says.
The site layout is expected to include a mix of accommodation types to appeal to a range of visitor preferences.
The inclusion of bell tents, yurts, and dome tents allows guests to choose between more rustic and more comfort-oriented experiences. The dome tents, for example, are equipped with features such as log burners.
Landscaping is also a significant element of the proposal, with plans to establish new hedgerows, shrubs, and trees to enhance biodiversity and reduce visual impact.
The applicant states that these features would help integrate the development into the existing surroundings, adding that “the screening of the proposal softens any perceived visual impact which will be read in a similar context to that of the existing built form surrounding the site with a limited effect to the landscape.”
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, this application reflects a growing trend toward nature-integrated, low-impact accommodation located near conservation attractions.
Sites like the proposed development in Cilgerran aim to tap into the increasing demand for eco-conscious tourism, particularly in areas where environmental education and nature experiences are readily accessible.
The application is currently under consideration by Pembrokeshire County Council. No timeline has been provided for when a decision may be expected.