A proposal to build three glamping pods at Little Hanley Farm, near Malvern in Worcestershire, has drawn both regulatory support and local opposition.
The application, submitted to Malvern Hills District Council, outlines plans to convert an area of land previously used for grazing into a year-round small-scale glamping site.
The proposal includes not only the three glamping pods but also a barn for storage, associated landscaping, and parking facilities.
According to the application, the intention is to diversify the farm’s operations, improve the land environmentally, and contribute to the local economy.
“The proposal seeks to change the use of an existing area of land at Little Hanley Farm, formerly used for grazing, as a small-scale glamping site to diversify the land, help secure income for the holding, improve the land environmentally, and to provide wider benefits in terms of attracting revenue and investment into the local area,” the application states.
Worcestershire Regulatory Services reviewed the application and gave its approval, determining that the proposed development would not cause issues related to noise, light, odour, or smoke.
Despite this, at least one objection has been formally lodged. France Kings, a neighbour, raised concerns about security and access.
“Allowing free access 24 hours a day for visitors to the site via the right of way through the Hanley Workshop will compromise the security of the businesses and Bridge School,” said Kings.
She further noted that while a gate currently exists, there is no on-site security to ensure it remains locked at night. “The development would provide a dangerous precedent for further similar development along the bridle path,” she added.
The objection also argues that the proposal does not align with the neighbourhood plan for Hanley Castle parish, though no further details have been made public. The consultation period for the application closed on Tuesday, June 24.
A decision date has not yet been announced, according to the Malvern Gazette.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, this case highlights the importance of addressing local planning policies and neighbour concerns early in the development process.
Operators looking to expand through glamping or similar diversification projects may benefit from proactive stakeholder engagement and alignment with local development frameworks.