Monmouthshire County Council has approved a planning application for a small glamping site near Raglan, signaling continued interest in low-impact rural tourism developments.
The proposal includes three timber glamping pods, an office building, cycle storage, parking, and a hard-standing area on a field adjacent to Groesenon Road—locally referred to as the Old Abergavenny Road.
Though the project received support from a majority of councillors, concerns about traffic safety on the nearby 50 mph stretch of road were raised during the review process.
According to a report by Abergavenny Chronicle, several councillors noted the road’s lack of pedestrian infrastructure and history of vehicle-related damage.
As part of the planning approval, a damaged stone wall—believed to have been hit by a car—will be repurposed to create a protective barrier between the office building and the road.
Planning officer Phil Thomas described the location as sustainable, citing its proximity to public transportation.
“It’s a relatively busy road and not far from the garden centre and the cattle market,” Thomas said. The site is about one and a half miles west of Raglan, and is within reach of bus services to Raglan, Monmouth, and Abergavenny.
For outdoor hospitality operators, this development highlights several key trends in the sector, particularly the growing expectation to incorporate sustainability features and alternative transport options into new projects.
The applicants plan to provide electric bikes for guest use, along with solar-powered charging stations and an EV charging point. These elements not only align with current environmental priorities but could also serve as differentiators in a competitive market.
Wyesham councillor Emma Bryn acknowledged the challenges of the site’s location but welcomed the inclusion of electric bikes: “It’s a very unattractive road to walk on with no pavement,” she said, adding, “Cycling might be more palatable.”
Modifications were made to the original proposal in response to feedback from the council’s highways department.
The number of glamping pods was reduced from an unspecified number to two single-bed units and one two-bed unit, and the entrance to the site was moved to address traffic safety concerns.
The final vote passed with 11 councillors in favor and three opposed.
For businesses in the outdoor hospitality sector, this case reflects both the challenges of rural development approvals and the opportunities for aligning with local authority priorities through environmental design and community engagement.