A proposal has been submitted to Malvern Hills District Council to establish three glamping pods and a storage barn at Little Hanley Farm, near Hanley Swan.
The application, which outlines the intended development on land previously used for grazing, aims to repurpose part of the property into a small-scale, year-round outdoor hospitality site.
According to the planning documents, the site was in poor condition when the applicants acquired it, having been used for “storing caravans, rubbish and other paraphernalia.”
Since taking ownership, the applicants report they have cleared the area and undertaken efforts to restore the grassland and reintroduce native plant species.
“When the applicants bought the land, it was in a deteriorated condition, being used for storing caravans, rubbish and other paraphernalia which the applicants have cleared, restoring the grassland and peripheral planting with native species to improve the area both visually and environmentally,” the proposal states.
The proposed glamping pods are described in the application as “low-key, environmentally friendly, lightweight and sustainable structures” that could be available for year-round accommodation.
According to the Malvern Gazette, the site’s proximity to the Malvern Hills and the Three Counties Showground is cited as a strategic advantage for attracting guests throughout the year.
The owners emphasize their focus on enhancing biodiversity and creating a natural setting that appeals to both wildlife and guests.
“The owners are very conscious to reinstate and increase biodiversity at the site to benefit nature to provide an attractive environment for visitors, and for their own benefit when working the remainder of the holding,” the application explains.
Additionally, the plans include a utilitarian-style storage barn constructed with traditional, natural materials to align with the surrounding rural environment.
“The storage barn has been designed to be utilitarian in nature to blend in with the rural surroundings. The use of traditional, natural materials, have been chosen for both the pods and the storage barn,” the document notes.
For professionals in the glamping and outdoor hospitality industries, the proposal reflects ongoing demand for environmentally sensitive, small-footprint accommodation options in scenic locations.
It also highlights the role of land restoration and biodiversity in enhancing the guest experience, key considerations for operators aiming to attract eco-conscious travelers, and complying with evolving planning requirements in rural areas.
The application is now under review by Malvern Hills District Council. No decision date has yet been announced.