Planners have given the green light for three new glamping-style units made from upcycled containers on the outskirts of a Co Armagh village – expanding a small rural site into what officials describe as a sustainable tourism hub beside some key visitor attractions.
The planning application at Tullynawood Road in Darkley was lodged by MKA Planning, Derry, on behalf of Colin McCooey.
The ABC planning report explains that the agricultural site in question already includes a mobile home, several trailers, and two existing self-catering units converted from lorry trailers.
The report goes on to state: “While the application site does not itself contain an existing or approved tourist amenity, officers recognise that the surrounding area benefits from a concentration of established tourism assets located within close proximity, [namely] Tullynawood Lake, Darkley Forest, Gentle Owens Lake, Aughnagurgan Megalithic Tomb, and a range of further tourism assets situated within the broader area, including Clay Lake, Tassagh Viaduct and Beetling Mill, Carrigatuke Mountain, Caragh Forest, Navan Centre and Fort, Rossmore Forest Park and Slieve Gullion Forest Park.
“Taking the above into account, officers consider that the site is located at or close to a cluster of established tourist amenities that cumulatively form a significant tourism node within the immediate area.
“The proposed self-catering units are therefore considered capable of functioning as subsidiary and complementary accommodation that would support, enhance and add value to these existing tourism assets.
“Officers are satisfied that the proposal would strengthen local tourism infrastructure, contribute to sustainable rural economic activity, and align with broader tourism objectives.
“The site currently comprises a single-storey dwelling at 35 Tullynawood Road, agricultural buildings, a mobile home, several trailers and two existing glamping pods, both converted from lorry trailers, with one incorporating a hot tub within an adjoining covered area.
One of the units which will be turned into tourist accommodation at the rear of 35 Tullynawood Road, Darkley. Image: ABC planning portal
“The proposal seeks retention of two repurposed containers converted into self-catering units (Units 1 and 2), associated parking and site works, relocation of the hot tub/BBQ area associated with existing Unit 2, and erection of one additional container converted into a self-catering unit with its own hot tub/BBQ area, associated parking, new landscaping, and alterations to the existing access.
“The reuse and upcycling of former lorry containers represents a sustainable construction approach, reducing waste and the carbon impacts associated with manufacturing new building materials, and is therefore consistent with the policy objective of promoting sustainability.
“The proposed recladding of the container units in natural toned materials will soften their appearance and secure an improved design quality.
“The proposal incorporates new planting, complementing the retention of existing boundary vegetation, which together will strengthen biodiversity and assist further integration of the development into its rural setting.
“In light of the sustainable reuse of materials, the improved design treatment of the units, the sensitive site layout, and the combined existing and proposed landscaping, officers are satisfied that the development achieves a high standard of design in accordance with published guidance, and promotes both sustainability and biodiversity.
“The proposed self-catering units are modest in scale, with a maximum height of 3.4 metres, and their use for short-term tourist accommodation is considered compatible with both the on-site dwelling and the wider mix of agricultural and residential uses in the locality.
“Each self-catering unit contains one bedroom and is designed to accommodate a maximum of two occupants.
“One parking space is provided per unit, with a total on-site provision of six spaces, which is sufficient to meet the operational needs of the development.”
