Glamping pod plans for Rossett given the go ahead

Wrexham Council has approved change of use for land in Rossett to host glamping pods.

The authority’s planning department considered an application for two glamping pods at Oakmead on the Golly in the village.

According to the applicant, there is an increased appetite for accommodation in the area which could also boost other local businesses.

The site is to the rear of the applicant’s land, and the proposals included recycling/waste storage, a cycle store area, and a parking / turning area.

An existing access point and track to the site will be used, while one parking bay per pod is earmarked within a current parking area.

Each pod is to have a small area of decking to the front to provide guests with a private outdoor space. The plans also included footpaths, landscaping of the site, and a grey water filtration unit with associated soakaway and groundworks.

A design and access statement submitted with the application outlined the plans, highlighting the more environmentally friendly nature of the builds and lack of impact on the surroundings.

It said: “The glamping pods will offer contemporary accommodation to visitors which is within a suitable travel distance from Rossett, Wrexham and further afield across the border to Chester, thus being suitable for natural, short breaks.

“At the moment, there is little presence in the area offering this kind of luxury glamping pod accommodation giving guests exclusive facilities.

“The development will provide an extension to the existing Oak Mead Coach House, providing guests with an alternative accommodation option.

“This development will increase footfall for local businesses and through correct marketing, should increase the length of time tourists remains in the area.”

It added: “This will be beneficial for local tourist attractions, restaurants and businesses etc.

“The construction of a glamping site in this location can be achieved in less time, with less intrusive construction methods and less environmental impact, than traditional luxury accommodation builds require.

“This is clearly favourable in an area of countryside rich in natural beauty.

“It is reasonable to suggest that glamping accommodation is warranted in this location, to cater for increasing visitor demand, without sacrificing the area’s beauty or ecology.

“The operator intends to use local businesses to carry out the building and groundworks, utilising local suppliers and local labour.

“The operator intends to build on existing relationships they have with other local businesses in the area to offer their goods and services to the guests, including shops, pubs and restaurants to name but a few.

“The operator will be promoting these services within the pods along with providing the guests with local knowledge of the many beauty spots to visit and a welcome hamper of local produce and suppliers.”

Permission for the proposal was granted in a delegated decision by David Fitzsimon, Wrexham Council’s chief officer for economy and planning.

By Rory Sheehan – BBC Local Democracy Reporter