Plans for Clackmannanshire glamping pods at golf course approved

Proposals for glamping cabins, along with a café, shop, and studio space on unused land at Dollar Golf Course, can now proceed after a successful planning application.

Nicholas Poett, of Harviestoun Estates, had submitted a bid to transform the eastern section of the former 18-hole course.

A report from planners stated that the application would involve the installation of seven cabins, a facilities cabin, and the repurposing of a greenkeeper’s hut for tourist accommodation.

It continued: “The proposal also seeks an extension to the existing car parking area and the installation of a solar array, with a change of use of the existing clubhouse to a more multi-functional space with a café, shop, business, and studio space in one.

“A new raised patio area to the front is proposed for outdoor seating, and a change of use of the Greenkeepers hut to a class four business use is also sought.

“To complement the changes and the additions, the application proposes new landscaping, including a scheme of woodland planting, drainage, and fencing.”

A total of 23 representations were received, raising concerns about the proposals, as well as one support comment.

Objections included the site’s ecological value, concerns over wildlife, and noise and light pollution.

Fears were also raised that the proposals didn’t align with biodiversity and climate change policies, with some objectors noting that while tree planting is often promoted, non-woodland habitats, such as grassland, heath, and wildflower areas, can be more valuable for biodiversity, supporting species like bees, birds, and butterflies.

An objection was also raised by Dollar Community Council, which suggested that the site is in the Ochil Hills Special Landscape Area, where there should be a general presumption against development.

In approving the proposals, planners noted that while the Ochil Hills provide the backdrop and setting for many parts of the Dollar Conservation Area, the scale of the proposed development on the hills’ slopes was very limited.

They added: “The groundkeeper’s hut is to be repurposed, requiring minimal intervention and each of the accommodation cabins will have an individual design, with access to a toilet, shower, and sink, an outdoor kitchen area and stove, and purpose-built decking.

“The communal hut will have an outdoor kitchen area, seating area, shower, toilet, and a sink.

“The proposal represents an appropriate and sensitively development that reuses part of the existing Dollar Golf Course and associated buildings to provide small-scale visitor accommodation and enhanced facilities.

“The development makes effective use of previously developed land, diversifies the existing business and supports the local economy and tourism offer in Dollar without giving rise to unacceptable environmental, landscape, heritage, or residential amenity impacts.

“Through careful siting, design, and the use of existing access routes and infrastructure, the proposal minimises its impact on the Ochil Hills Special Landscape Area and delivers biodiversity enhancement through native tree planting and habitat creation.

“The development preserves the character and appearance of the Dollar Conservation Area and the setting of nearby listed assets, while improving the visual quality and accessibility of the clubhouse frontage.”