Glamping pods for site used by I’m a Celeb

Applicant James McAllister has applied to Conwy Council’s planning committee for a change of use of land at Graiglwyd Springs in Penmaenmawr.

The site is currently used as a trout fishery and self-catering holiday cottages.

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But the applicant wants to add six holiday pods to the site on Graiglwyd Road, featuring hot tubs, Wifi, and comfortable seating areas.

The holiday cottages have been operating for over 20 years, but new owners took over the running of the business in 2018.

Holiday cottages rented by I’m a Celebrity’s Ant and Dec could soon be accompanied by glamping pods..

Each pod will include a shower room, toilet, and kitchen.

The developer says it will initially purchase two pods in the first year, planning to add two more in the year following and two more in year three.

The pods will cost between £120 and £150 to rent for one night during peak season.

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The development will cost in the region of £53,000.

Mr McAllister outlined his plans in a letter to the council.

“With seven holiday cottages rated as five star on Google and Trip Advisor and a trout fishery rated as being within the top 15 in the UK, we are an established and successful tourist destination above the village of Penmaenmawr.

“We hosted Ant and Dec from I’m a Celebrity for five weeks, which I hope gives a good indication of the quality and standards of our cottages.

“We are applying to add high quality, fully serviced self-contained glamping pods as the next step in taking our business forward and believe that with our existing and previous experience we have the skills and ability to develop and to offer a high-qualityand great short-break experience.

“The area proposed offers superb views, is well screened, and will have a big appeal as well as the quietness of the location – but in addition giving us the opportunity to offer more fishing holidays and short breaks, especially at peak and low season at an established destination.

“Since the COVID lockdown, more people have taken up or returned to fishing, and having experienced this influx, when we have been allowed to open,we are keen to offer more short breaks at an affordable price and with a much lower outlay for our business in providing pods.

“Having visited and stayed in pods over the last few years, we see demand growing as a fun and affordable way to spend a few nights away. Although there are many very basic pods, we have always believed quality sells… We want to offer a hot tub, patio area, and comfortable seating but also Wifi and Smart TVs for when the weather isn’t so kind.

“There is a strong demand with a younger demographic to spend two to three nights away, and pods have seen enormous growth within the last four years in the UK.”

The application will be discussed by Conwy County Council’s planning committee.