Plans unveiled for five luxury holiday pods with hot tubs and saunas near Clitheroe

Plans have been submitted to create a luxury glamping retreat featuring five holiday pods with hot tubs and saunas in the countryside near Clitheroe.

The proposed development would be built on land off Whalley Road in Pendleton, close to Standen Hey Bungalow, and would cater primarily for couples visiting the Ribble Valley.

Each timber-clad pod would accommodate two people and feature a double bed, open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, separate shower room and private stone patio with a hot tub.

Two of the five pods would also have their own sauna, while the development would include parking, electric vehicle charging points and a facilities building.

The applicants, who already operate a holiday let at The Granary, Standen Hey, say they want to expand their business by offering luxury accommodation with countryside views.

A planning statement prepared by Judith Douglas Town Planning Ltd says the development would appeal to visitors enjoying walking and cycling holidays, as well as people attending weddings and other events in the area.

It states: "The aim is to provide a luxury glamping experience for couples offering rural tranquillity and exceptional views of the countryside whilst being relatively close to amenities in Clitheroe."

The site forms part of an existing agricultural field currently used for grazing sheep and producing grass crops.

Each pod would measure nine metres long and 3.3 metres wide, with timber fencing, hedgerows and landscaping providing privacy between the units.

A separate facilities building would include storage for maintenance equipment, bicycles and refuse bins, alongside an 'honesty shed' where guests could purchase breakfast items and fuel for the saunas.

The applicants say their existing holiday accommodation enjoys more than 300 occupied nights a year and believe the proposed development could achieve at least 50 per cent occupancy.

The planning statement also highlights the site's proximity to popular wedding venues, including Holmes Mill, Bashall Barn, Mitton Hall and Eaves Hall.

Pre-application advice from Ribble Valley Borough Council in June was supportive of the proposal in principle, although officers recommended reducing patio sizes and parking provision and introducing additional hedgerows.

Those changes have been incorporated into the submitted plans.

A noise management plan has also been prepared to minimise potential disturbance to neighbouring properties.

For the latest public notices from your area, please visit: https://publicnoticeportal.uk/