A proposal to install four glamping pods on farmland near Walltower Farm in Howgate, Midlothian, has been refused by planners, who concluded that the development would negatively affect the character and visual amenity of the rural landscape.
The decision, issued this month, follows an application by Mr. and Mrs. Marwick, who sought to diversify their family-run agricultural business by adding visitor accommodation to a field currently used for grazing sheep.
The applicants argued that the glamping pods would offer additional tourist options in an area already drawing visitors to nearby attractions, including the Midlothian Snowsports Centre and its recently opened Alpine Coaster. Their design statement described the project as part of a broader effort to secure the farm’s long-term financial sustainability.
They stated: “The proposed development will form part of a farm diversification project to help sustain the future viability of Walltower Farm. The farm is a family-run business with a mix of livestock and arable crops. Diversifying the farm will help ensure income from multiple revenue streams that can contribute to the farm’s needs.”
The statement also emphasized the potential economic and employment benefits, noting: “The inclusion of four glamping pods in this location will contribute significantly to the longevity of Walltower Farm and will provide additional employment opportunities to the local area.”
According to the applicants, tapping into agritourism “allows farmers to capitalise on emerging consumer trends, create stronger community ties and promote local economic development.”
Planning officers, however, determined that the proposal did not meet local policy requirements related to landscape protection, according to a report by EdinburghLive.
They cited concerns about the removal of mature trees, the impact on surrounding woodlands, and the visibility of the proposed structures on a steeply sloping, open field. In their assessment, officers stated: “The site is a part of a steeply sloping field which is relatively open. The proposal does not respect the character of the area.”
They further noted that the linear layout of the pods appeared designed to maximize views for guests rather than harmonize with the setting, writing:
“The layout of the pods is very linear, strung out across the hill and the field. This appears to have been designed to maximise outlook from the pods rather than consider or reference the impact of the landscape setting of the surrounding area.”
In refusing the application, planners concluded: “Glamping pods are not a traditional feature of this part of Midlothian’s sensitive landscape. They have been proposed to be sited in such a ways as to be highly visible. The proposal would result in an obtrusive and unsympathetic development, incongruous to the surrounding rural landscape.”
For operators in the outdoor hospitality sector, the decision highlights a challenge increasingly common across the UK: establishing new accommodation options in areas with strict landscape and environmental protections.
The case underscores the importance of early consultation with planning authorities, detailed visual impact assessments, and design approaches that demonstrate a strong relationship to the surrounding environment—factors that can significantly influence approval outcomes for glamping and other low-impact developments.