Glamping fans and motorhome enthusiasts could be set for further choice amid the stunning scenery of south Armagh.
For proposals have been drawn up to construct two new glamping pods – complete with reed ‘thatch-style’ roofs – which could take advantage of ambitious proposals around Camlough Lake.
An application for the development has been submitted to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for consideration.
The fully accessible pods would be built on lands “70 metres north of 36 Newtown Road, Camlough”.
The new site, if approved, would also include three bays to accommodate motorhome owners.
There would be a total of seven parking spaces with facilities for glampers and campers.
The proposals also detail showers, toilets, bin store and a mini-kitchen/laundry area.
According to a design and access statement, the intention is to create “modest, sympathetic tourist accommodation, of appropriate character, scale and proportion, to help support the growing tourism sector associated with Camlough Lake and the surrounding area”.
And it adds: “The accommodation will be designed and landscaped to aid integration and to ensure that the proposal is in keeping with the character of the area.
“There will be a high quality of design, layout and landscaping, with emphasis on quality and sustainability. Emphasis on design and landscaping will be to maintain a continuity with the surroundings.”
Existing vegetation will be retained “where possible”.
At the same time, a high quality of amenity space and level of privacy will be achieved by incorporating proposed new native species planting into existing boundary planting “to ensure the development does not adversely affect any neighbouring residents’ privacy”.
The applicant is Raymond Friel, who lives adjacent to the proposal site and, as such, is “poised as an attentive caretaker to ensure the amenities are utilised correctly and are well maintained”.
The popular Camlough Lake can be accessed via a linking pedestrian footpath and is just 340 metres from the planned accommodation.
The design statement adds: “The Lake and the greater area – which includes access to Slieve Gullion and Camlough Mountain/Slieve Girkin – enjoys visitors from all over Ireland and abroad, as well as providing great amenity to local users.
“The range of activities on Camlough Lake include angling, triathlons, water sports and wildlife watching.
“The capacity for tourism in the area needs to be supported and applications such as this proposed development aim to enhance the potential of Camlough Lake tourism by providing amenities necessary for visitors.”
The proposals – which follow an earlier outline application – will now be advertised shortly.
First look at proposed state-of-the-art recreation hub at Camlough Lake
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