Lake District: Plans for three glamping pods with hot tubs

The proposal for Near Howe, Troutbeck, Penrith, was submitted on February 10 by Glampitect Ltd on behalf of Ms Shore to the Lake District National Park's planning authority.

Near Howe, south of Mungrisdale, currently offers campervan pitches and seven self-catering cottages with '360-degree views of the surrounding fells'. 

If the proposal is approved, the three 'high-end' glamping pods, each equipped with decking and hot tubs, will replace the five campervan pitches.

Plans highlight that the glamping pods will be built off-site and delivered ready for installation, and be available to use year-round.

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An existing drainage system in place for the existing cottages and dwelling at the site will also be upgraded to provide appropriate capacity for the new units. 

Promoting the benefits of the application, the design and access statements states: "The proposed glamping pods will provide a new and exciting accommodation offering to Near Howe, offering a unique relaxing and sustainable stay in nature.

"Demand for this type of rural accommodation is high throughout the country, which has also been shown to be true of other glamping sites within this part of the country.

"The extension 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 and local services.

"The applicant intends to use existing relationships with local businesses in the area to offer their goods and services to guests, including pubs, cafes, shops, taxi services and attractions.

"The operator will promote these services within the pods, along with providing the guests with local knowledge of the many beauty spots to visit, allowing them to connect with nature and the surrounding area.

"The operator also intends to use local businesses where possible to carry out groundworks and installation of services, utilising local suppliers and local labour.

"The construction of glamping pods in this location with a small footprint and of a temporary nature can be achieved in less time, with less intrusive construction methods and less environmental impact, than traditional permanent tourist accommodation builds require," it concludes.