A set of new remotely managed glamping pods could be built in the North York Moors National Park.
Four “virtually operated” glamping pods, one lodge for holiday letting, and a store could be built on land at Glen Esk, Ruswarp, if Mr and Mrs D Coates’ application is approved.
The site, located on the eastern boundary of the North York Moors National Park, is on the edge of the busy village of Ruswarp, which has a railway station, public house, butchers, recreational visitor attractions, filling station, and DIY store.
The applicants said they hope to “complement existing businesses rather than displace them” and highlighted the site’s potential for tourism, noting its close proximity to attractions such as the River Esk, Esk Valley Railway, and the Cinder Track.
The site was previously used as a builder’s yard, and since taking control of the land more than four years ago, the applicants said they had made “significant visual and environmental improvements including tidying and clearing the site of building debris and taking the woodland into control through proper management”.
Proposals submitted by the applicants state: “The local tourism agenda relies heavily on being able to adapt to address the future challenges it presents.
“The type of accommodation and the modest supporting facilities would allow a similar type of land use to the ones that are already taking place in the locality.
“The design of the accommodation is well thought out so as not to undermine the special qualities of the locality.”
The pods would be eight metres long and five metres wide, incorporating a small, cantilevered balcony at the front with timber balustrades and would be constructed from dark vertical timber cladding, under a semi-circular roof.
The proposed larger two-bed holiday cabin would be sited in the southern corner of the site and would be 19 metres long.
The application stated: “In summary, the approach to providing four glamping pods and one large cabin is a site that has the potential to contribute to the ‘local’ tourism profile/sites in the North York Moors and coastal hinterland.”
The application also notes that the development will be the North York Moors National Park’s first “virtual” site, not reliant on having a manager present all the time.
According to plans, the site would be operated virtually from the applicants’ property in Whitby.
The planning proposal is being considered by the North York Moors National Park Authority, which has not set a date for deciding on the application.
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