Council planners have given their blessing to a new glamping offering for Ayrshire.
The local authority has given retrospective planning permission for the siting of seven holiday accommodation pods – with hot tubs.
It’s part of a wider application that also sought the retrospective siting of a temporary caravan, designed for a manager’s accommodation.
The application also involved the building of a manager’s lodge, and a part change of use of livery stable for the breeding of dogs.
In addition, the applicant wanted retrospective permission to change the use of agricultural land to form a dog exercise area and form a riding arena for horses.
Motor home parking and associated works – including the formation of car parking, paths, groundworks and landscaping – are also part of the application at Foxfields Todrigs, Symington. The agents in the proposals were LMA Architects and the applicant is Alastair Crocket.
A supporting statement said: “Mr Crocket is the owner of the land. His overall business plan for the whole site has developed over the last few years and has become more inclusive.
“In addition to the pods and lodge, the applicant is now seeking to provide livery space and a riding arena for local horse owners. This will support the needs of the local community and support the holiday accommodation use. The applicant is seeking to maintain the security and welfare of the horses through the formation of a new rural business that meets a need in the area. The livery stable will also house some dogs as part of the applicant’s canine business.
“A temporary application is sought for the breeding of dogs until such time as the pods are constructed. The livery business and the holiday accommodation business will be managed by one manager (with additional support staff). “
The statement continues: “In addition, the manager will also be on site to be responsible for running of the holiday accommodation side of things. A temporary approval for a caravan is sought until such time as the pods and lodges are built. The addition of the livery stable and arena aims to provide a facility where guests of the holiday accommodation would also be able to bring their own horse/pony to the proposed stables during their stay, or hire a horse/pony to accompany them during their stay, allowing them to make the most of their holiday experience.
“It is anticipated that a number of clients will also bring along their own pet dogs. The application also seeks approval for a dog park. It is proposed that this will be used by single users (possible with multiple dogs) at a time and is booked online. With this proposal the applicant seeks to further diversify the use of the site and provide rural enterprise through the provision of a rural business within the unique setting and picturesque location between Symington and Dundonald.”
In approving the plans council papers said: “The proposed holiday accommodation is considered to offer the potential to contribute towards the local tourism economy and shall be operated and maintained by the intended occupier of the adjacent proposed on-site accommodation.
“With regard to the proposed equestrian facilities, namely the livery and riding area, such uses are not uncommon within rural areas, with two equestrian facilities noted to be located nearby.
“The existing building has an agricultural appearance, and it is understood that the existing building has been utilised for equestrian purposes in the past, albeit without the benefit of planning permission; as such, there are no concerns regarding the use of the existing building.
“The proposed riding arena is positioned to the north-east of the proposed stable building and is not readily visible from public vantage points outwith the site. Given the aforementioned, there are no concerns regarding the proposed riding arena.”
The report adds: “In terms of the dog breeding, this is understood to be carried out within the existing building and will be for a temporary period until the holiday accommodation has been erected.
“It is not considered that the breeding or exercising of dogs in a rural location, already used for commercial activities is an incompatible use. Similarly large outdoor dog exercise areas are more likely to be compatible in less populated and potentially rural areas. Therefore, the proposed equestrian and canine related aspects of the development are also considered to be acceptable.”
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