Farm firm’s glamping pod proposal turned down

A man seeking to“diversify”his farming business in Kinrossshire has been denied consent to accommodate tourists on his land for the time being.

Andrew Orr applied to Perth and Kinross Council for planning permission to put two glamping pods on a field belonging to him at Wester Balgedie earlier this year.

He told officials in a supporting statement the proposed pods“would improve accommodation facilities for tourists by offering a low cost and sustainable alternative to nearby hotels, guest houses and lodges”.

He added:“This development would allow an existing farming business to diversify by providing modest holiday accommodation.”

However planning staff have since ruled the proposed development does not meet“a specific need by virtue of its quality or location in relation to [an] existing business or tourist facilities”.

They said in a report of handling:“Whilst the supporting statement notes activities in the area, the proposed development of the site is not meeting a specific need in relation to an existing business or tourist facility.

“The site is not unique in what it can offer and therefore it is not considered to meet this criteria.

The report went on:“The supporting information does not detail where the applicant resides in relation to the pods and how the site would be managed.

“Environmental health has not objected and a management plan could address some concern.

“The lack of information on management and the siting remote from the applicants home could have some detrimental impact for neighbouring properties.”

Mr Orr could appeal to the council’s Local Review Body to get a different decision.

His application drew four objections during a public consultation - three from local individuals and one from Portmoak Community Council.