Ewloe glamping pods plan refused due concerns over impact on open countryside

Plans to build upmarket camping ‘pods’ on a grassy field in Ewloe Green have been refused due to concerns over the development’s impact on the green wedge.

A planning application – submitted in January – sought approval for five glamping pods, with related parking areas and internal roads.

Each unit would have its own outdoor space, as well as an open-plan living and bedroom area, open kitchen, and separate shower room.

Flintshire Councillor Dave Mackie, who represents Hawarden and Ewloe ward, expressed concerns about the development’s intentions for the entire field, while Hawarden Community Council objected due to the site being prone to flooding.

The application site is located outside a settlement boundary and is designated as a green wedge within the Flintshire Local Development Plan (LDP).

Green wedges are open spaces that surround and separate settlements, maintaining the distinction between countryside and urban areas, preventing the merging of adjacent places, and offering recreational opportunities.

The principle of the development is considered “appropriate” in the open countryside, as it is well-suited to a rural location and contributes to the local economy.

However, the development has been deemed harmful to the openness of the green wedge, with concerns raised about the potential impact on the environment and existing amenities.

According to a report by Flintshire planning officer Jenni Perkin, the applicant was advised during the pre-application stage to limit the amount of glazing in the façades for a more “pod-like” appearance and to submit a comprehensive landscaping and external lighting scheme.

The report states that the design proposal features cabins with pitched roofs, solar panels, and a flue, which are considered inappropriate for this location.

Furthermore, the proposed layout, design, and lack of a comprehensive landscaping and external lighting scheme are deemed harmful to the character and appearance of the open countryside and green wedge.

As a result, the proposal fails to satisfy the LDP’s policies.

Despite these objections, the development was considered unlikely to generate any additional noise or disturbance for the nearby residential dwelling, ‘Gwynfryn’.

The site’s existing boundary hedging also provides a good degree of privacy.

However, the planning officer has recommended that permission be refused based on the failure to satisfy the LDP’s policies.

Ms. Perkin’s report states: “In summary, the development is considered to be inappropriate in this location due to its proposed layout and design, and if allowed, it would be harmful to the openness and the character and appearance of the open countryside and green wedge. It is recommended that permission be refused.”