Proposals for ten glamping pods at a Ribble Valley site have been submitted to the council. Mark and Hilary Berry aim to construct the pods on their agricultural land at Knott Lane, Newsholme, approximately three kilometers northeast of Gisburn, England.
The Berrys, who reside at Hoober Farm on Green Lane in Skipton, currently operate Hedgerow Luxury Glamping.
Since opening their tourist accommodation in 2019, they have been seeking to expand their offerings as their business grows.
Previous planning permission allowed for six holiday pods at Knott Lane, but the Berrys now wish to erect more pods to accommodate the soaring tourist demand in the area.
As well as running a dairy farm, the income generated from the glamping enterprise will continue to support the core working farm.
A planning statement claims, “The demand for holiday accommodation provision of the type proposed has significantly grown during recent years, because of the recent restriction upon foreign travel, the desire for staycation type holidays, and the popularity of weekend or mini breaks in secluded areas of the countryside where guests seek to holiday in quiet locations in accommodation sympathetic to its surroundings.”
The statement also explains that the small scale of the proposals aligns with the affordability constraints experienced by holidaymakers. “Small single bedroom units such as those proposed are more accessible and are more suited to weekend breaks and short stays.”
The proposed glamping pods will be detached, single-story units featuring a living space, dining area, separate bathroom, and kitchen area.
They will be designed with timber-domed construction, a lightweight tile roof, timber cladding, and will utilize sustainable energy sources.
Access to the glamping pods will be from Knott Lane using the existing vehicle access lane, and each unit will have dedicated parking.
According to the planning statement, the current proposal is for an additional ten holiday accommodation pods, bringing the total at Hedgerow Luxury Glamping to sixteen. “We therefore consider the application to be acceptable.” Public comments on the application will be accepted until May 18.
The glamping industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, attracting entrepreneurs and business owners looking to capitalize on the trend.
The unique combination of outdoor experiences and luxury accommodations appeals to a wide range of travelers seeking both adventure and comfort.
For glamping business owners, providing these types of accommodations has proven to be a viable source of revenue, particularly as traditional travel options continue to be limited due to the ongoing pandemic.