Planning permission has been granted for a new glamping development near Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, with the proposal aiming to enhance tourism in the area while minimizing environmental impact.
Redcar and Cleveland Council approved the application in April, which will allow for the construction of subterranean holiday accommodation on agricultural land off the A173 Newton Road, close to the border with the North York Moors National Park.
The nearly one-hectare site will feature five glamping “burrows” integrated into the natural contours of the land, with most of each unit set underground.
According to a planning statement submitted by ELG Planning on behalf of the applicant, the site is currently used for grazing and includes Quarry House and an agricultural storage building.
The application anticipates creating two full-time jobs through the development.
“The parcel of land is currently in agricultural use – grazing – and accommodates a farm house, Quarry House, which is occupied by the applicant’s father and mother, and a portal framed agricultural storage building,” the statement said.
The new accommodations will be supported by minimal infrastructure additions, including a small parking area with five new spaces and an internal access road that connects to the existing entrance from Newton Road.
Visibility splays will be established in both directions, with adjacent land already under the applicant’s control.
The statement noted that “the extent of additional hardstanding required is minimal, as the scheme is able to benefit from the existing access arrangements.”
The development has been designed with sustainability in mind. The glamping units will have green sedum roofs and sides to reduce their visual impact and blend with the surrounding landscape.
Lighting will be limited and designed to prevent unnecessary light spillage, complying with local and national guidelines.
According to a report by the Northern Echo, the North York Moors National Park Authority did not object to the project but emphasized that any lighting should be “dark night sky” compliant.
“It is proposed to site five units of holiday accommodation, which will be served by an internal access road that connects to the existing access off Newton Road,” the planning statement added. “A small parking area will serve the development.”
The location, which offers views of Roseberry Topping and is well connected to local attractions and public footpaths, is considered suitable for low-impact tourism.
“It is considered that the site is not of high sensitivity to change,” the statement said. “This is based on its proximity to Great Ayton, the existence of existing built form associated with the farm, and the adjacent road and branch railway line.”
Council officers supported the scheme, with a report stating the scale and design were appropriate and would not cause significant harm to the landscape or local amenity.
The use of “sympathetic” materials was noted, and no objections were recorded during the consultation process.
For outdoor hospitality business owners, this case may serve as a model for balancing rural tourism development with environmental considerations.
The project’s use of existing access, underground structures, and green roofing demonstrates how design decisions can facilitate regulatory approval in sensitive or semi-rural areas.
In July 2023, the same council approved a separate glamping proposal involving ten shepherd’s huts with hot tubs at High Farm, approximately 1.5 miles away near Newton under Roseberry.
However, the planning officer noted that the two projects differ in appearance and are sufficiently distanced to avoid a cumulative impact on the landscape.
“While the site was glamping, the appearance is considered significantly different and sufficient distance away not to result in cumulative harm to landscape character from a concentration of similar development,” the report stated.
As rural tourism continues to grow, developments like this demonstrate how small-scale glamping projects can align with local planning expectations while contributing to the regional tourism economy.