Rutland County Council has rejected two separate applications for glamping pod developments, citing concerns over sustainability and their locations in open countryside.
The decisions highlight ongoing challenges for rural tourism operators looking to expand accommodations in areas with limited infrastructure.
At Rocott Lodge Barn, near Langham, landowner K Wellman-Smith proposed a glamping site with three one-bedroom pods on land currently used as a paddock.
According to a report by LincsOnline, he argued that the site’s proximity to Oakham—approximately four miles away—offered access to local services, amenities, and tourist attractions.
However, planning officers disagreed, stating that the location was not well-connected to existing tourism infrastructure and would require significant reliance on private transportation.
“The site is located in the open countryside in an unsustainable location and the proposed accommodation would not be well related to any existing tourism attraction or other services and facilities,” council officials stated in their rejection.
A similar application for the conversion of a barn at Rocott Lodge into holiday lets was denied in 2017 for comparable reasons, suggesting that local authorities maintain a strict stance on new tourism developments in the area.
Another application for a single glamping pod with decking at Wing Hollow, submitted by Fiona Cox, was also refused.
The proposal followed a previous attempt last year, which was rejected due to concerns about the character of the area and a lack of biodiversity impact information. Despite efforts to adjust the plan, planning officers remained unconvinced.
In their decision, officials stated that the appearance of the pod, along with raised decking and parking areas, would have a “detrimental impact on the character of the open rolling landscape.”
They also reiterated concerns about the site’s remote location and its distance from services and amenities.
For outdoor hospitality operators, these rejections underscore the importance of aligning glamping developments with local planning policies, particularly regarding infrastructure and sustainability.
As rural tourism continues to grow, securing approvals may require a stronger emphasis on mitigating environmental impact and integrating with established visitor destinations.