Glamping pod development to go before council after backlash from locals

Plans to convert a horse field into a new site for glamping will go before councillors next week after nearly 100 objections were lodged.

Concerns over the impact of the new venture on public health as well as the countryside itself, were raised by local residents, who said the pods could contaminate the local water supply.

Despite this, planning officers are recommending the plans are approved.

The application by S.A.Fairgrieve Ltd, has now been called in to be decided at a meeting of East Lothian Council’s planning committee next week by Councillor George McGuire.

A report to members says Councillor McGuire Said: “Given the large number of objections and concerns raised against these proposals, I feel it is worthy of further consideration by the full planning committee.”

The application is for a change of use of the horse field, which is next to Boggs Holding, near Pencaitland, to allow six glamping pods to be placed on the site.

The applicants says the timber clad pods will be used for short term holiday lets.

Officers said they received 35 individual objections as well as an objection from Boggs Community Association which is signed by 62 people.

The objectors raised concerns about a lack of public transport to the site, its impact on the landscape and wildlife and on local residents with claims a lack of drainage plans on the site could lead to the local water supply being affected.

Planning officers recommended the application for approval saying it was ‘compatible’ with the surrounding area.

They said: “The principle of the proposed land use is considered to be acceptable in this location, and the design of the proposal has no unacceptable impact on the landscape character and natural environment.

“The proposed use and scale of development is compatible with the adjoining land uses.”

The committee will meet to discuss the application at a meeting next Tuesday.