Christchurch pub plans glamping pods as part of expansion

The Dun Cow in Green Lane, Christchurch, has lodged a full planning application for a single-storey side and rear extension, a change of use to add rural tourism and three holiday pods on adjoining land, along with a replacement outbuilding.

According to a supporting statement, the owners want to improve access for disabled customers and increase dining and communal space to reflect the pub’s “increasing popularity” and support its long-term future.

The overall site covers about 2,500sqm, with the existing pub footprint given as 175sqm and the proposed extension adding a further 55sqm. The three glamping pods together would account for about 40sqm of built development.

The Dun Cow in Green Lane, Christchurch, has lodged a full planning application for a single-storey side and rear extension, a change of use to add rural tourism and three holiday pods on adjoining land. (Image: Submitted)

Each pod would have a private outdoor sitting area, access to shared washing and toilet facilities and its own parking space, with overflow parking also indicated in the documents.

The statement says the nearest pod would be at least 7.3m from the closest home, with hedge planting and a buffer zone proposed between the units and neighbouring properties to protect privacy.

Existing shrubs, hedgerows and a timber fence are expected to help screen the site from the road and nearby houses.

The extension has been designed to match the existing building with a pitched tiled roof and rendered frontage, while the pods are described as “glamping pods” intended to blend into the rural landscape.

Each plot would be enclosed by hedging, with extra mixed planting where there are no mature trees or hedgerows.

The Dun Cow in Green Lane, Christchurch, has lodged a full planning application for a single-storey side and rear extension, a change of use to add rural tourism and three holiday pods on adjoining land. (Image: Submitted)

The layout is also intended to make the pub more accessible for wheelchair users by tackling current issues with different floor levels, steps and a lack of suitable facilities, including a new disabled toilet and entrance hall.

The scheme is presented as a diversification of the Dun Cow’s existing pub and restaurant use, with the same operators running the holiday accommodation.

The business would be marketed via its own website and through third-party booking platforms, with terms and conditions including quiet hours between 9pm and 8am and restrictions on large parties.

A section on deliverability says the development is small-scale and could be implemented without “lengthy construction operations”, starting with marked-out pod parking spaces, service connections and hard standings before the units are delivered and installed.

The Dun Cow in Green Lane, Christchurch, has lodged a full planning application for a single-storey side and rear extension, a change of use to add rural tourism and three holiday pods on adjoining land. (Image: Submitted)

The statement notes the site is in the Cambridgeshire Fens, described as an established tourist area close to March, Outwell/Upwell and Downham Market, and cites Fenland Local Plan policy LP6, which supports new visitor accommodation.

It also points to other tourism schemes approved in the district, including holiday cabins, touring and caravan parks, holiday accommodation and shepherd’s huts.

A flood map extract submitted with the documents states the site does not fall within a designated flood zone.

The Dun Cow in Green Lane, Christchurch, has lodged a full planning application for a single-storey side and rear extension, a change of use to add rural tourism and three holiday pods on adjoining land. (Image: Submitted)

The assessment concludes that the proposals accord with planning policy, would add to local tourist accommodation and support the local economy.