Glamping site proposed
Plans for a glamping site in Upton would help boost the tourist economy in the Southwell area, according to the agent for those behind the plans.
Glamping is a form of camping with more luxurious accommodation and facilities than normally associated with such holidays.
An application has been submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council for six glamping pods behind The Poplars on Upton Road.
Mr Jonathan Benson, agent for the application, said: “There is a shortage of suitable accommodation in the area, and the landowner has a field that they currently don’t do anything with.
“It provides a smaller site that is good quality and can give people that camping experience without the actual camping.
“It is not aimed at any particular market and is open to anyone who doesn’t want to have a big lodge and be more at nature but not sleep under a canvas — something that just isn’t available currently.
“Overall there is a lot of support for the scheme from everyone we have spoken to.”
The six pods will be built in a fan-like arrangement.
Each will have a timber boardwalk leading to an area of decking at the front and their own self-contained bathroom and kitchen facilities.
The plans also include an access road, path, parking area, cycle parking and low-level lighting.
According to the application, the aim is to encourage visitors to use shops, restaurants and pubs in Southwell, thus boosting tourism in the area.
In the design and access statement for the development, Julie Reader-Sullivan, business manager for economic growth at the district council, said: “From a tourism perspective and indeed business travellers I can confirm that there is very little accommodation available in the Southwell area and this is a challenge in terms of encouraging visitors to the area.
“A day visitor will spend around £35 per person and an overnight visitor will spend around £150 per person, therefore encouraging overnight visitors is a crucial element to encouraging the visitor economy in Southwell.”
The application will be decided by Newark and Sherwood District Council.
