Cumberland Council has approved a proposal to develop five holiday pods near St Bees. The decision, reached during a planning committee meeting on February 19 at the Civic Centre in Carlisle, follows a deferral last month due to weather-related disruptions. 

The approved application includes provisions for an access road, drainage systems, landscaping, solar panels, parking, and decking, according to a report by News & Star.

Submitted by Sunshine Properties West Coast in December 2023, the proposal seeks to convert agricultural land along Nethertown Road into a small-scale tourism development. 

The site, covering 0.62 hectares, sits south of St Bees and adjacent to an approved residential project. 

A report presented to the committee outlined various concerns raised by local stakeholders, including potential traffic issues, access constraints, noise impact, and environmental considerations.

“The application site comprises an area of agricultural land, located to the south of St Bees,” the report stated. It also noted that the site, which slopes upward from the road, is bordered by stone walls and fencing. 

No listed buildings or conservation areas were identified in the immediate vicinity, and the site falls within Flood Zone 1, indicating a low risk of flooding.

For businesses in the outdoor hospitality sector, this approval highlights the ongoing demand for alternative accommodations in rural locations. 

The inclusion of sustainable elements such as solar panels aligns with broader industry trends toward eco-conscious development. 

Industry professionals monitoring regulatory processes may find it useful to note how the council navigated environmental and infrastructure concerns in granting approval.

With increasing interest in nature-based stays, the project could serve as a model for small-scale holiday pod developments, demonstrating how operators can integrate sustainability while addressing planning and community concerns.