Useful Information

What is a Glamping Pod?

The term ‘Glamping Pod’ refers to an insulated, all-weather – and potentially all-season – solid structure used as an alternative to a tent or yurt.

Glamping is defined as…

glamping

/ˈɡlampɪŋ/

noun BRITISH informal

A form of glamorous camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping.

Camping & Luxury Pods – Overview

The pods we have produced have a variety of overall dimensions divided into several areas as desired –– they are designed in accordance with BS3632 guidelines.

The pods can come on a rolling chassis and is therefore classed as mobile, so in most cases there is no need for planning permission.

At times we have used a new eco friendly insulation built into the wall cavities. This insulation material is made from recycled plastic bottles and offers high insulation values. Alternative insulation materials are available.

At times the tiles used on the outside of the pod have been produced from recycled rubber, and have a 50yr warranty plus the added value of a Class A fire rating (BS476 part3).

The doors and windows are double glazed. UPVC is an option

All the timber used within the construction is PEFC & FSC sourced.

The main living area is clad internally with pine, spruce or larch boarding and can have moisture resistant laminate wood effect flooring.

The shower / toilet area can be clad with hygienic plastic cladding system, giving an easy clean/maintenance finish, with anti slip safety flooring.

Each pod comes with an electrical hook up, all waste pipes and water connection. All you have to do is plug it in and it is usable straight away.

Ideally the pods that we have produced come with all of the above as standard, however, we can produce them without the shower/toilet area, or even divide it up further. We are constantly working on other designs. We could also make them longer and wider, however, the normal / typical width is within the maximum allowed for transporting.

So whether you require one for the garden or are joining the ever growing glamping market, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Extend your living space with our Camping & Luxury Pods

If you’re looking for a stylish building to use as a home office, garden studio, summer house or for extra accommodation – you’ll find that our Pods are ideal; they’re designed to provide spacious, luxurious and long lasting additional living space for almost any purpose.

We’ve used our expertise in modern building materials and techniques to design a pod which blends traditional and eco friendly products to deliver a spacious, comfortable, well constructed, long lasting and mobile pod which will deliver our customers demanding requirements.

Home and Domestic Use

Where pods are required for domestic use ancillary to the main dwelling (such as a home office) then planning permission is not required. However, you are advised to seek confirmation from the local planning authority.

Business Use

Unless your business is currently engaged in tourism related activites such as camping and caravaning, planning permission is required for the change of use of land to allow the siting of one or more pods for tourism use.

This requires the submission of a planning application to the Local Planning Authority for determination. Should you require the services of a Planning Consultant we can provide one for you. Our Planning Partners specialise in obtaining planning permission for tourism developments.

Professional Fees

For our Planning Partners to act as your planning consultant would result in the following fee dependent upon the number of pods to be sited:

  • 1 to 3 Pods = fixed fee of £800
  • 4 to 6 Pods = fixed fee of £1,200
  • Excess of 6 Pods would result in a negotiable fee

Planning Application Fee

To change the use of a parcel of land to tourism would result in a fee payable to the Council of £385.

The Planning Process

Our Planning Partners will act as your agent and guide you through the entire planning process. This will involve the collation and submission of all the necessary information and the monitoring of the planning application through to its determination. With regard to architectural drawings of the pods these will be provided. Please note that you may be required to provide the Council with additional information to enable the application to be processed. In such an event our Partners can provide you with a number of fee quotations for this to be undertaken. Typically, these can include the following:

  • Site layout to show proposed siting of pods; vehicular access arrangements; and, any other buildings intended for use.
  • If the site to be developed holds any ecological value or contains any trees and hedges the Council could ask for a habitat survey and tree report.

How long does it take?

The statutory time limit for the local authority to decide an application is typically 8 weeks from registration by the authority, unless the application site is larger than one hectare, in which case it will take 13 weeks. If permission is refused, or the decision is not made by the statutory deadline, it is possible to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

Applying for a Site Licence

A licence is required from your local authority if the land is used for caravans (which includes Pods) for human habitation (Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960). You must have planning permission for the caravan site before this licence can be granted and the licence must normally be issued within two months.

In the case of sites with mixed accommodation, including tents, sites are normally licensed as a single site, with tents deemed to be touring units for the purposes of the conditions.

It’s generally a criminal offence to operate a campsite or caravan site without a licence, if one is required. If a licence is in place, it’s likely that regular environmental health inspections will be made to check compliance with the conditions. Gas safety certificates, spacing between units, fire points and other aspects may be inspected, and failure to comply with site licence conditions may lead to prosecution.

How do I apply?

The fee to apply for a licence ranges from zero to £600 or more, depending on your local authority, and there is normally no expiry date unless the site’s planning permission expires. As part of the process you would normally be expected to submit a site plan. If your application is refused, you can appeal. Detailed information on how to apply for a site licence is provided within the following government website:- https://www.gov.uk/caravan-site-licence