ABC Planning officers have approved plans for the erection of four glamping pods in the vicinity of 48 Tullynawood Road, Darkley.
The planning application was lodged by ADA Architects, Newry, on behalf of Mrs N. Fegan, Clay Road, Keady.
In their report, ABC planning officers explained two types of glamping pods would be constructed on what is an agricultural field: “Glamping pod type 1 (x2) will accommodate one double bed and a two-person sofa bed, with a floor area of 18m2 (6m x 3m).
“Glamping pod type 2 (x2) will accommodate one double [bed], 1 single bed and a two-person sofa bed, with a floor area of 23.1m2 (6.6m x 3.5m).
“All will have a ridge height of three metres from ground level, with a decked area to the front, and finished in timber cladding. The design will be of an arched structure, with walls bending inwards and meeting at the apex.
“An access is to be taken from the south western boundary from the Tullynawood Road, with a new internal route to provide access to two glamping pods at the north east of the site, with a path from the internal road leading to the other two glamping pods at the west of the site.
“Four car-parking spaces are provided, with landscaping and estate fencing located behind visibility splays of the access proposed.
“The applicant points out that there are a number of tourist amenity sites within proximity of the site. They highlight Tullynawood Lake (located approximately 50 metres to the east of the site) with a small jetty and parking area.
“[It is] located approximately 100 metres to the north east, providing access to the lake for various forms of recreation and tourist activities, such as fishing, boating, birdwatching etc.
The glamping pods will be entirely self-contained, and will blend in with their rural surroundings. Credit: ABC planning portal
The glamping pods will be entirely self-contained, and will blend in with their rural surroundings. Credit: ABC planning portal
“They advise that the proposed glamping pod site would be a great asset for the lake and the surrounding area, as it sits well with the existing jetty and car-park area, encouraging tourists and providing opportunities and variety for visitors.
“Darkley Fairy Village, which is located within Darkley Forest and located approximately 0.5 miles to the north east of the site, is also mentioned.
“The council’s Tourism section were asked to provide a comment on the proposal in terms of existing tourism sites within the vicinity. They advise that Tullynawood Lake and Darkley Forest are listed on the council’s Get Active ABC website, with Tullynawood named as one of the lakes for fishing.
“Considering the above, officers are of the opinion that the proposed self-catering accommodation will complement existing tourism enterprises in the area, promoting sustainable economic benefits.
“This synergy is expected to enhance their usage, economic viability, and appeal to tourists, thereby supporting broader tourism initiatives.
“Landscaping will include the planting of trees and shrubs around the pods and along the edges of the internal estate road. Additionally, existing vegetation will be retained, including hedgerows and trees.
“Given the use of timber as the primary construction material for the pods, the retention of existing vegetation, the proposed site layout, and planned landscaping, officers are satisfied that the development will integrate well with the surrounding area, while promoting sustainability and biodiversity.”
