A proposal has been submitted to Fife Council seeking “retrospective permission” to operate a small-scale holiday business at a woodland site near Fordell.
The application, filed by Green Oak Ventures, aims to formalize using two glamping pods and two log cabins as holiday accommodation, alongside installing a storage container, solar array, timber building, and boundary enclosures.
The agents highlighted the project’s compatibility with local planning policies in their statement. “The proposal will support the aims of Fife’s tourism strategy to promote the region as a key destination for visitors. There is no conflict with surrounding land uses or the residential amenity of the local area,” they stated.
The application also follows a prior consent granted in 2021, which approved the site’s use as a family recreational “hutting site.” According to the planning statement, the original intention was to use the land for non-commercial purposes.
However, the site has since evolved into the Green Oak Nature Retreat, a commercial holiday destination, prompting the need for a new planning application.
The statement from the planning agents explained that the development was initiated without the applicant realizing that additional planning permission was required for commercial use.
“Our client has been approached by the Council’s Enforcement Officer regarding this matter, and this application seeks to resolve the situation,” it noted, as reported by Dunfermline Press.
The holiday business already holds a short-term let license from Fife Council, allowing a maximum of 10 guests on the site at any given time. Located near the Fordell Firs Scout Campsite and activity center, the site is positioned east of the B891 road between Hillend and Crossgates.
The planning agents described the location as well-suited for both active and vehicular travel.
While the glamping pods have been operational for several months, the applicant’s planning agents explained that the project’s expansion will remain modest.
“As the accommodation already on the site, the two pods, has been let since mid-2024, the applicant is already aware that the business is viable and can sustain some scale growth with additional units,” the statement noted.