Green light for glamping pods at Fife farm
Proposals for two glamping pods at a Fife farm have been approved at the second time of asking.
A planning application has been lodged for the siting of the units – as well as the formation of vehicle access, off-street parking and associated works – at Easter Glasslie Farm in Leslie.
A statement on behalf of the applicant said they wanted to diversify from their local farming business by developing a small paddock where the pods will be located.
“The family believe this is an excellent location for a small-scale self-catering enterprise such as this, and which they would manage on their own as part of their wider diversified rural business activity,” it stated.
“The applicant’s family farming business was established in Leslie in 1957 and, has grown over the years while keeping family at its core.
“As agriculture has evolved, they have moved away from dairy farming and local milk delivery, which had become unsustainable, and have since invested in expanding sheep flock.
“To secure the future of the farm and create new income streams, they wish to diversify into agritourism, offering countryside family stays supported by animal feeding sessions and access to walking routes and local attractions such as Falkland Hill and fishing at Ballo Reservoir.”
A previous application was refused due to road safety concerns and the fresh plans have a revised access point.
A report by Fife Council planners said the proposed glamping pods were of a “modest and unobtrusive” scale which were designed to integrate sympathetically within the existing rural farmstead setting.
It added: “The scale, form, and materials of the pods respect the existing farmstead setting and the wider rural context.
“Overall, the glamping pods are well-designed to meet both functional and aesthetic requirements.
“Their small scale, sympathetic siting, use of natural materials, and attention to energy efficiency ensure they are compatible with the rural character of the site and its surroundings.”