Two camping pods as well as sauna pod proposed for Bodfari site - located within Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Applicants Rosie and Liz Jones have submitted proposals to Denbighshire County Council for the change of use of land, at Maes Sied, Bodfari, and for the creation two timber camping pods.

The application site is located within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Other locations around the farm have been considered, however, the applicants say there are no alternatives that would be available that 'do not disrupt the use and operation of the existing farm'.

A planning statement, by agent Cadnant Planning, said: "The application site forms part of the Maes Sied small holding located to the east of the B5429 leading down from Bodfari to Llandyrnog.

"The proposed development seeks to provide an additional form of income to the small holding by way of the introduction of high-quality tourist accommodation.

"The site is a fruit farm which was previously ran as a ‘pick-your-own’ farm.

"The applicants are the second generation to run the farm and the fruit is now farmed for the applicants’ business Shlizzy which is fruit based liqueurs.

Photograph example of internal layout. Picture: Cadnant Planning

"The business has proven popular as a local produce and the applicants are seeking the proposed developments of the pods on the site to subsidise their income to allow them to continue with the fruit farm whilst also looking after their mother who suffers from ill health."

People staying at the pops will be able to pick their own fruit and visit animals on site.

"The site is also well located for walkers and cyclists, as there are a number of popular routes locally. There is a footpath to the rear of the units which connects onto the Offa’s Dyke Path," the document added.

"The site is easily accessible by car but is also within walking distance from bus stops.

Photograph example of internal layout. Picture: Cadnant Planning

"The applicants would also be open to doing pick ups and drop offs from the local train station for longer-stay guests."

The location for the proposed pods has been selected due to 'how well it is screened from the surrounding landscape'.

There would be two different types of pods on the land, one being a Podlodge and the other being a Warren.

They will include a kitchen/diner, a seating area, a sleeping area and toilets and showers and would be suitable for a family of four adults and two children.

The pods will be designed and built by a company called Quality Pods Wales.

Both units will have an area of decking to the front with the intention of having a hot tub.

A small sauna pod is proposed between the two units which would be two-metres tall by four-metres in length maximum.

The document concluded: "The proposed development would deliver a highly sustainable form of development contributing to the local and rural economy. This statement has confirmed that the pods would form a permanent structure, would be of a suitable scale and nature with additional enhancement planting that will not be prominent or visible in the AONB landscape."