A former glamping site at Glen Helen may see new life under a proposal by Wild West Ltd, which has submitted a planning application to develop eight glamping pods on the property. 

The site previously housed ten pods, which were removed by the former owner. The new application seeks to reintroduce accommodations, with plans for five smaller pods and three larger ones, alongside new amenities.

According to the planning statement, the larger pods would be positioned near the river, while a hot tub and six-person sauna would replace a previously approved treehouse and additional glamping unit. 

Each pod would feature a small deck and private hot tub, with interior spaces designed to provide modest cooking, sleeping, and washing facilities. The smaller units would accommodate between two and four guests, while the larger ones could host up to six.

If approved, the development would restore a glamping offering at the site, aligning with broader efforts to enhance the island’s tourism sector. 

“The development will reinstate a popular tourist facility where there is ample car parking, electric charging facilities, and on a bus route,” the planning statement notes. 

The site’s location on the TT Course and proximity to Glen Helen could make it an attractive option for visitors.

For business owners in the outdoor hospitality industry, the application highlights the continued demand for glamping accommodations in scenic, well-connected locations. 

The proposal underscores the importance of offering amenities that enhance the guest experience, such as private hot tubs and saunas, which have become increasingly popular in the glamping sector. 

Operators looking to expand or revamp their offerings may find value in observing how this project develops and how local authorities assess its impact on tourism and land use.According to a report by Isle of Man Today, the application is currently under review by the planning committee.