A call to let a small rural Pembrokeshire caravan site keep a glamping pod sited without planning permission has been lodged with county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Janice Palin seeks retrospective permission for the retention of a glamping pod and change of use of land for short-term visitor accommodation at Woodstock, Cold Inn, near Kilgetty.
A supporting statement accompanying the application says the application for the 2023 retrospective scheme follows a conversation with one of the authority’s enforcement officers.
It adds: “The property comprises the main dwelling and associated garden as well as a caravan site which is a Caravan and Motorhome Club Certificated Location (CL) with a capacity of five caravans or motorhomes. The glamping pod is contained within the garden of the main dwelling.
“The CL is located just south of the glamping pod, separated by a hedgerow. A single car parking space is located just off the main access to the caravan site and a pathway allows access to the pod adjacent to the hedgerow. The glamping pod utilises the existing access for the caravan site from the main road.”
It goes on to say: “The glamping pod has been used for short-term holiday accommodation since June 2023. The structure is capable of removal and does not represent permanent built development. The operation of the glamping pod since 2023, provides valuable evidence regarding its actual impacts.
“During this period there have been no known complaints relating to noise, disturbance, privacy, highway safety, drainage or landscape impact. The operational history demonstrates that the use functions successfully within its setting without giving rise to unacceptable effects on neighbouring occupiers or the wider area.”
It finished: “This development only comprises of one additional glamping pod, a modest diversification and enhancement of an existing tourism enterprise rather than the creation of a brand-new tourism site.
“The glamping pod has already been operating for a number of years and it has contributed to the provision of visitor accommodation within this area of Pembrokeshire. It helps to support the objectives of maintaining a diverse and high-quality tourism offer, whilst still being low-impact and well contained in an enclosed area of a private garden. The proposal provides a different style of accommodation to the existing touring pitches, broadening the range of accommodation available to visitors.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
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