Autism friendly glamping pods for Fife farm

Plans to create six new autism-friendly glamping pods in Cupar have been approved.

The project from The Firm of MC Henderson came after it identified a lack of suitable holiday accommodation options for people with, and associated to, autism and other specialist needs.

The pods will be on agricultural land at Ring Farm, south of Cupar, and will join ‘The Rings’ – a diversified agricultural business which includes two semi-detached holiday let cottages which cater for up to 16 guests.

Each pod will have a lounge, kitchen, shower room and tube bunk beds and will be fully accessible for wheelchair users.

The development will also include the erection of an outbuilding to provide an internal activity space for glampers.

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A planning supporting statement prepared by consultants, Progress Ltd stated: “The development is targeted at a specific market and would deliver an important tourism facility in a market sector that is hugely under-provided, building upon the success of The Rings.”

The development will be spread across four structures comprising two single pods and two twin pods connected via central living areas.

The larger, twin pods have been designed to offer flexible accommodation either as a single, larger pod or once subdivided two separate pods to meet specific visitor requirements.

The development will include six parking spaces – two capable of accommodating minibuses will also be provided.

A total of 11 trees are to be removed to accommodate the development.

The plans were approved by Fife Council subject to conditions.

> Hannah Brown is the Local Democracy Reporter for Fife & Angus

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