Longleat Center Parcs has received approval from Wiltshire Council to introduce a new treetop adventure attraction designed to enhance guest experiences while maintaining environmental considerations.
The development will feature elevated “adventure nets” supported by steel columns and linked to nearly three-meter-tall treehouses, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with nature in a novel way, according to a report by Wiltshire Times.
The project aligns with Center Parcs’ broader strategy of integrating recreational facilities into natural landscapes with minimal disruption.
The nets, constructed from green and brown materials to blend with the surroundings, will replace an existing golf course, which will be removed and repositioned as an adventure golf course closer to the lake and sports plaza.
The application emphasized that the design would have a limited ecological footprint, stating:
“The proposed structure covers less area than the existing course, therefore allowing more of the forest floor to be restored and planted with appropriate native species that will enhance the overall biodiversity of the site.”
For outdoor hospitality operators, this approval underscores the growing demand for unique, eco-sensitive guest experiences that balance recreation with sustainability, which is backed by insights found in MC Hospitality Highlight’s April 2024 report.
Attractions that encourage active engagement with the natural environment can serve as key differentiators in a competitive market, potentially increasing occupancy rates and length of stay.
Wiltshire Council, in approving the plans, acknowledged the project’s alignment with these priorities, describing the nets as a “welcomed attraction to the holiday park.”
The case officer’s report further noted that the elevated structure “would not look out of place, with the design aimed at blending in with the trees and allowing guest users to more fully appreciate the surrounding trees.”
Meanwhile, in Minety, Pelagic Energy has secured permission to develop the first phase of a grid connection cable route for its approved Milou battery energy storage system (BESS).
The underground cables will extend approximately 639 meters, linking the facility to the National Grid substation off the B4040.
This infrastructure project highlights the increasing role of battery storage in stabilizing energy supply—an area of interest for outdoor hospitality businesses looking to explore sustainable energy solutions.
Additionally, in Chippenham, All Boxed Limited has been granted retrospective planning permission for 14 storage containers at Bath Road Industrial Estate.
The company cited a “strong and growing demand for domestic and commercial storage space” as the driving force behind its expansion.
The trend toward remotely managed storage facilities may offer insights for campground and resort operators considering off-site storage solutions to optimize space utilization.
These planning approvals reflect broader shifts in outdoor hospitality and commercial infrastructure, emphasizing both the importance of sustainable guest experiences and the need for operational adaptability in a changing market.
