AN APPLICATION has been lodged for the development of seven ‘sustainable eco glamping pods’ near Penrith.

The plans for the glamping site and associated car parking are set for land adjacent to Raven Bridge Farm, Renwick, and were submitted to Westmorland & Furness Council on April 24.

The plans look to change the use of the farmland site to that of tourism and has previously been used to graze livestock but is currently unused and vacant.

This amended and reduced design submission follows the withdrawal of a previous application submitted in June 2021.

The previous application for the site, which was for 10 glamping pods, received a number of critical responses from a number of organisations including North Pennines AONB Partnership; Friends of the Lake District and Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

The criticisms from the AONB came in light of the impact on tranquillity, dark skies, biodiversity, and the historic environment.

In light of the objections, the report states the number of glamping pods have been reduced alongside plans to reduce light levels and increase biodiversity within the surrounding area.

The proposed development is said to be wholly self-sustaining with the creation of on-site renewable energy through 35 roof-mounted solar panels, with five panels issued per pod.

The design and access statement states that issues on the previous application have been addressed.  “We suggest that this development will not have a significant or adverse impact as it is small, discretely sited and well screened.

“It will have minimal impact on landscape character and the historic environment,” it reads.

The public can view and comment on all applications submitted to Westmorland & Furness Council for approval.

Councillors on the planning panel will take comments of support or objection into account when giving a verdict.