APPROVAL has been granted to plans for luxury "glamping" pods on the ground’s of Scotland’s longest continually inhabited house.
Visited by 27 Scottish Kings and Queens, Traquair House in Innerleithen in Peeblesshire dates back to 1107 and has been lived in by the Stuart family since 1491.
Now a planning bid from current inhabitant Catherine Maxwell Stuart has been approved by Scottish Borders Council (SBC) for three glamping domes for guests, along with a recycling/waste station and cycle store area.
An existing parking area will be utilised for guests. Each dome will have a small area of decking, with associated footpaths and landscaping also part of the plans.
The aim is that the glamping site will provide “subtle and discreet countryside accommodation” for tourists visiting this area’s attractions on short breaks and weekend stays.
But the application states that the site would be rented out on a per-nightly basis. Patrons would likely be couples, families or friends split into multiple domes and party groups will not be permitted by the operator.
Walking and cycling will be heavily promoted to guests when staying on site and an electric vehicle charging point will also be provided at the parking area.
A report submitted with the application, from Edinburgh-based Glampitect, says: “The concept of luxury glamping is now gaining popularity throughout the UK, with standards and guests’ expectations on the rise.
“It is intended by the site operator that this site will be amongst the best available in the area. At the moment, there is little presence in the Traquair/Innerleithen area offering this kind of luxury pod accommodation giving guests exclusive facilities.
“Therefore, we feel the site would be providing a positive alternative for visitors to the area. The proposals will create a significant economic benefit to the surrounding area and local businesses.”
In his report approving the application, Carlos Clarke, SBC lead planning officer, described it as a “relatively low impact development that can contribute positively to the local economy”,.
He added: “Albeit car-led, the scheme will use existing roads and parking infrastructure serving Traquair House, does not propose additional vehicular parking, and will contribute to access to the natural environment.”
