A new glamping proposal near Oban, Scotland, has been submitted to Argyll and Bute Council, signaling potential growth in the region’s rural tourism accommodation market.
The application, submitted by Jamie Colewell, seeks approval for a single glamping pod on land adjacent to Lonan Cottage in Glenlonan. If approved, the unit would complement existing holiday let offerings and operate year-round.
The design, created by planning consultants Glampitect, is aimed at offering “subtle and discreet countryside holiday accommodation for tourists visiting the west coast of Scotland on short breaks and weekend stays.”
According to a report by Helensburgh Advertiser, the site’s integration into the local landscape and proximity to existing structures were emphasized as key factors in its design and location.
For outdoor hospitality business owners, the proposal highlights a continued interest in compact, eco-friendly accommodation options that support tourism growth while aligning with planning expectations in rural and semi-rural areas.
It also reflects the increasing importance of sustainability in project planning, including features such as secure bicycle storage to encourage low-impact travel.
According to Glampitect, “The proposal will efficiently use an area of currently vacant land to provide rural tourist accommodation, which will support the local community and rural economy through visitor spend as well as provide local employment opportunities for housekeeping and site maintenance.”
From a commercial standpoint, the proposal demonstrates how small-scale developments can serve as strategic extensions to existing properties, potentially increasing occupancy rates while responding to consumer demand for nature-based stays.
The west coast of Scotland, in particular, continues to see strong interest in glamping, as evidenced by similar developments across the region.
Glampitect further noted: “The development will increase footfall for local businesses and through correct marketing, should increase the length of time tourists remain in the local area. This will be beneficial to the local economy, including tourist attractions, restaurants, other businesses,s and local services.”
Business owners considering expansion or diversification may find value in examining how this type of development leverages underutilized land, local tourism infrastructure, and partnerships with nearby services to enhance guest experiences and local economic benefits.
The case also underscores the importance of community engagement and compliance with planning regulations for new glamping ventures.
The application is currently under review, with a decision expected by early June. Stakeholders can view the full proposal and submit comments through the Argyll and Bute Council planning portal using reference number 25/00543/PP.