Plans to introduce camping pods at Ewe Dale Farm in Pennington, Cumbria, have been rejected by the government. The proposed development, which had initially been denied approval by Westmorland and Furness Council in April, was also dismissed upon appeal to the government’s planning inspectorate.
The plans for the farm, which already offers holiday cottages and timber lodges, involved designating a section of the property for camping pods. An existing building was to be converted into facilities for toilets and washing.
However, the planning inspectorate raised concerns over the potential negative impact on the area’s character and appearance, stating that the scale and layout of the proposed pods would cause significant harm to the environment.
The inspectorate also concluded that the moderate economic benefits of the project would not outweigh these environmental concerns.
In their appeal, the developers argued that the addition of the camping pods would complement the existing tourism offerings at Ewe Dale Farm. They pointed to a growing demand for smaller units of accommodation, such as pods, for short stays.
Despite this, the inspectorate remained unconvinced, emphasizing that the visual impact of the development would be detrimental to the surrounding landscape.
Ewe Dale Farm currently hosts five-holiday cottages and three timber lodges.
While the farm’s existing accommodations are well-established, the proposed pods were seen as an attempt to expand the site’s appeal to tourists seeking more flexible and temporary accommodation options.
Ultimately, the decision marks a setback for the development, as it failed to meet the necessary criteria to gain approval.
Despite this, the farm continues to offer its existing facilities, and the local community will likely continue to see tourism-related developments in the area.
Surrounded by picturesque countryside, Ewe Dale Farm provides direct access to numerous walking trails.
It is conveniently located for visits to nearby towns such as Ulverston, Coniston, and Windermere, making it a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful, family-friendly staycation in Cumbria.
