Mayo glamping pods retention and extension refused

A glamping pods development in the Westport area has been rejected by council planners.

An application for the retention of two existing pods and installation of three new ones at Meneen, Westport, has been turned down. In a split decision, storage shed plans at the location were approved.

The site is adjacent to The Westport Lodge Hotel, with the existing chalets already catering for a loyal clientele, many of whom are repeat visitors drawn to the area's outdoor recreational opportunities, planners were told in submissions.

The primary objective of the development was to provide high-quality short-term tourist accommodation, catering to visitors seeking a comfortable and immersive stay in the area. The modern and well-appointed chalets were designed to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment while offering guests a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Chalet guests have full access to the services and amenities provided by The Westport Country Lodge.

Council planners, however, ruled that the pods, on a site remote from services, including retail and social facilities, were contrary to the county development plan, which requires the siting of glamping accommodation primarily within existing settlements where there is existing infrastructure provision to service the development.

The proposed development would, both by itself and the precedent it would set, militate against the protection of the rural environment, and would interfere with the character of the rural landscape which it is necessary to preserve.