Fife Council has rejected a proposal to build two new glamping pods near Dunfermline, citing environmental and transport-related concerns.
The decision, issued in late October, relates to an application submitted by Gregor Wylie, who sought to construct the pods on a garden plot at Backmuir of Pitfirrane, Lundin Road, in the village of Crossford.
Glamping has become increasingly popular in Scotland as part of the growing outdoor accommodation market. However, local authorities continue to balance the appeal of tourism-driven development with the need to preserve greenbelt areas and maintain rural safety standards.
In its decision notice, Fife Council’s planning services department stated:
“In the interest of safeguarding the countryside and Dunfermline greenbelt from sporadic and unjustified development, the need for the proposed development at this location is not considered fully justified.”
The statement added that the plan was contrary to policies on green belts, rural development, tourism under the National Planning Framework, development principles, and development in the countryside.
Council officials also cited safety and accessibility issues as part of the refusal, noting that the location lacked sufficient infrastructure and transport links.
“In the interests of road safety and sustainability, the development is unsustainable in terms of location, being remote from public transport and other services and thereby car dependent,” the statement continued.
“Furthermore, the development would be unable to provide adequate visibility splays, thereby resulting in a significant detrimental impact on existing levels of road safety.”
According to the Dunfermline Press, Mr. Wylie has three months from the date of refusal to appeal the decision through the council’s local review body.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector, this case highlights the importance of aligning glamping and tourism accommodation proposals with local development frameworks and environmental policies.
As demand for rural lodging continues to grow, operators and developers are reminded that planning success often hinges on demonstrating sustainable site selection, accessibility, and alignment with regional tourism strategies.