Plans for a glamping pod on Twageos Road in Lerwick have faced increased objections from local residents, with four neighbors now urging the council to reject the proposal.
The primary concern of the objectors is the proximity of the proposed development to the Louise Hughson Memorial Garden, a site dedicated to grieving parents who have lost babies.
The memorial garden, located within the extension of the Knab cemetery, serves as a space for remembrance and solace for those who have experienced loss.
Two residents from Gressy Loan have voiced strong opposition, stating that the glamping pod would be “entirely inappropriate” and “highly disrespectful” to families mourning their loss.
However, the applicant, Kate Wills, who has lived in the area for 12 years, has responded, emphasizing her respect for the memorial garden and the grieving families it serves.
In her letter to the planning department, Wills said, “I am horrified that anyone would consider that I would be disrespectful of it.”
She further stated that she has visited the garden frequently, cleaning litter from the pond and taking her children there to play.
Wills has clarified that the glamping pod would primarily be used by her family. To recoup the costs of building the pod, she plans to rent it out to appropriate individuals.
“I am acutely aware of the needs of the area,” she noted, highlighting her efforts to maintain a low-impact lifestyle in the neighborhood, including refraining from using her car during funerals or memorial visits.
Despite objections, the proposal has received some support, including from the Lerwick Community Council, which has chosen not to oppose the plans, as reported by Shetland News.
Earlier objections had also questioned the proximity of the memorial garden to the proposed site, but Wills has defended the location, stating, “There has been no attempt to deceive anyone as to the proximity of the memorial garden to the proposed glamping pod.”
For professionals in the glamping and hospitality industries, this development highlights the importance of understanding local sensitivities and community dynamics when proposing new projects, especially those near sensitive locations like memorial gardens.
Balancing business goals with respect for the surrounding environment and community values can significantly impact the success of such ventures.