Glamping pod plans in Amber Valley
12 could be built in woodland
A series of glamping pods could be built in a patch of woodland in the Derbyshire countryside.
Plans have been submitted by Ashley Wragg to build 12 glamping pods off Jackass Lane, close to Ambergate and Alderwasley, on the Wiggonlea Plantation.
If approved, the development would include seven family glamping pods – with a double bed and single bed – and five two-person pods.
Amber Valley Borough Council will make a decision on the plans in the next few months.
Designs submitted by the applicant show that the proposed family glamping pods would have a double-bed bedroom, a single-bed bedroom, a toilet and shower and an open-plan dining room and living room area.
Meanwhile, the two-person glamping pods would have a toilet and shower, and one open-plan area in which there would be a double bed, dining area and living room area.
Documents submitted by EDS on behalf of the applicant say: “The area is known for its naturally outstanding beauty, the aim is to share this experience with families and people who enjoy countryside pursuits such as hiking, cycling and walking, whilst enjoying the local history and architecture of Alderwasley and the historic towns of Belper, Wirksworth and Matlock.”
It also says: “The pods are designed to blend naturally into the surrounding woodland as they are constructed from simple, sustainable pine timber.”
The applicant also aims to build a series of solar panels on the site, bordering the woodland. The site would have 12 car parking spaces.
Documents submitted with the application detail that “very little traffic apart from the occasional agricultural vehicles and a handful of local residents” pass by the site, accessed through an existing gate.
Much of the woodland area in which the pods could be built already looks to have been substantially cleared in preparation for the proposed development.
The applicant says much of this space will become wildflower planting, saying: “Some open areas are readily available to site the pods, other areas need thinning out as it is some time since the woodland has been properly maintained and there is invasive growth of bracken and bramble.
“The intention is to remove this growth and replant with natural wildflowers and grasses to allow the woodland area to thrive and host more natural species than it is currently able to do, due to congestion and lack of light.
“It is our aim to make the area as naturally beautiful as possible by letting nature take its course with a little guided intervention.”