Plans to reinstate woodland glamping pods approved

Plans to bring glamping back to a campsite in a glen in the west of the Isle of Man have been given approval.

The plans were put forward by the prospective new owner of the site at Glen Helen, which previously house 10 glamping pods.

The proposals would see the installation of eight wooden glamping pods, a spa area with a hot tub, sauna and plunge pool, a communal barbecue area and bike storage.

Applicant Wild West Ltd said the development would "address the recent loss of this tourist accommodation on this site" and allow visitors and locals to stay within the woodland location.

The site positioning on a bus route on the TT course, next to a glen, it would "contribute significantly to the island's tourism accommodation offering", it said.

The plans would "reinstate a popular tourist facility" with parking and electric charging, the application added.

The plans include five smaller glamping pods and three larger units, each including a bathroom, kitchenette and sleeping area, individual hot tubs and a decked path.

There would be 15 parking spaces as part of the proposals.

The planning officer who recommended its approval said the proposal would not have significant effects on public or private amenities or result in adverse impacts on the site ecology.

The scheme would also cater for a smaller group of campers at a site that provides appropriate facilities, he added.

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