‘Bubble’ rooms with a view planned at wildlife reserve

Permission is being sought to create unique accommodation offering 180-degree views from a wildlife park.

Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve has applied for planning permission to build The Bubble #2. It will match an existing ‘Bubble’ at the animal park, which is currently rented out from £549 a night.

Made from PVC, the Bubble is 50% transparent and includes a bedroom equipped with a king size bed, a living room and bathroom with a free standing tub.

The new Bubble is planned for an area of the park which formerly housed a meerkat enclosure. This is to be torn down and replaced by the new inflatable pod with a decking area to also be installed.

The planning application reads: “Part of the reserve’s success lies in the type of visitor accommodation on offer with a wide range of bespoke and innovative forms of accommodation in which to strengthen the visitor experience.

“This latest development expands upon the success of the first Bubble as a unique unit of accommodation.

“Bubble #2, apart from the bathroom, provides 180 degree ‘transparent accommodation’ and clear uninterrupted views skyward. There are no curtains/ blinds and so the application site will afford a significant degree of privacy, bearing in mind the need to balance this with landscape impacts. Much like previous visitor accommodation applications, Bubble #2 is nestled in amongst natural vegetation and will not be visible from the wider area.”

The document adds that the proposed development, if approved, will lead to the creation of jobs, increased expenditure in the district and support the Aspinall Foundation’s conservation work with endangered species.

Accommodation already at the reserve includes Bubble #1, Hog Deer Creek’s Shepherd’s huts, The Tiger Lodges, Treehouse Hotel, Port Lympne Hotel.

The animal park is also seeking permission from Folkestone and Hythe District Council to turn run-down mansion, French House, into Giraffe Hall, which will allow guests to observe a herd of giraffes.

A decision by the district council on the Bubble #2 application is expected by June.

Port Lympne wildlife park plans to build more ‘Bubble’ accommodation for guests

The Bubble includes a bedroom, living area and bathroom