Former go-karting track in March could be glamping retreat

Debbie Diablo has applied for permission to create a glamping tourist attraction on the former Krazy Karts Track she has owned in Creek Road, March, for the past 27 years.

Ms Diablo is working with Glampitect on the project, which will see five 'high-end' glamping pods installed at the site, together with a wellness building, which will feature facilities such as a steam room, cold room, sauna, treatment spaces, and communal spaces for guests to interact.

A design and access statement drawn up by Glampitect in support of the application says: "The proposed glamping site will offer contemporary, luxury holiday accommodation to visitors within a suitable travel distance of Wisbech, Peterborough, Birmingham and further afield across the country, thus being suitable for weekend trips and short stays.

There will be a wellness building where guests can enjoy an array of treatments. (Image: Glampitect)

"The concept of luxury glamping is now gaining popularity throughout the UK, with standards and guests’ expectations on the rise.

"This site is intended to be amongst the best available in the area and provide an exciting new alternative, offering guests a secluded retreat in nature and high-quality, modern glamping accommodation."

The development will include parking, new fencing and gates, and an array of planting to create a relaxing environment for guests, as well as to enhance the biodiversity.

The statement adds: "Two small water features and outdoor spaces will help with providing a serene atmosphere on site. The wellness centre will be located adjacent to the public road. This will feature a number of luxuries for guests to enjoy during their stay."

There will be two water features included in the layout of the new glamping site. (Image: Glampitect)

The glamping pods will be constructed off-site and delivered as full units by the manufacturer.

Two of the pods will be large enough to accommodate families.

"Since the pods will be clad in natural materials, they will also be in harmony with the surrounding landscape and will naturally weather over time," says the statement.

The site will be operated as a typical (year-round) holiday let, with the glamping pods being rented out on a per-night basis.

A view showing access to the site. (Image: Glampitect)

The statement explains patrons will likely be couples, small families and wellness enthusiasts; the chosen target markets by the site operators.

"Party groups will not be permitted. The site will be marketed as a peaceful and relaxing retreat in nature, which should mean noise from guests is not a consideration, with minimal likelihood of noise and disruption to neighbouring properties and road users etc," it adds.

The statement also states: "There is no intention to use the units for long-term lease/ permanent residences. The compact footprint of the pods would not be suited to this in any case."

The glamping pods will be designed and manufactured to be energy efficient, using materials with a low environmental impact, such as reclaimed wood, recycled materials or composite materials made from recycled content wherever possible.

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The statement concludes: "The proposed glamping site will provide a new and exciting accommodation option for March and the surrounding area, offering a unique relaxing and sustainable stay in nature.

"Demand for this type of rural accommodation is high throughout the country, which has also been shown to be true of other glamping sites within this part of the country."

In a planning statement drawn up by Ms Diablo, she says: "I am a qualified life coach, level 3 personal trainer, nutritionist, level 2 crystal healer and reiki practitioner.

"I have set up wellness retreats in the Caribbean, and manage holiday homes there also.

"My passion for the last 23 years has been health and wellbeing and I have coached and healed many people home and abroad. I have seen first-hand the benefits that health and well-being have on our mental health and physical bodies.

"I believe the property at Creek Fen is ideal as it has a sense of calm, its quiet and beautiful all seasons. The sunset and sunrises are the best in the UK and we are fortunate to have it on our doorstep."