THE West Somerset ‘custodian’ of a former Middle Ages pilgrim’s hostel has applied for planning permission for a series of ‘meditational glamping’ pods - a year after he started building them.

Marten Street had been installing four Perspex domes in the garden of Chapel Cleeve Manor, Old Cleeve, a Grade II* listed house dating to the 1450s.

Now, he has had to submit a planning application to Somerset Council, which wants to hear any public comments by September 5 and has set itself a target date of October 2 to determine it.

Planning agent Adam Elston, of Architectural Studio SW Ltd, said: “The purpose of the domes is to provide a unique experience for holiday guests.

The 'meditational glamping' pods have been wrapped around trees in the grounds of Chapel Cleeve Manor, Old Cleeve. PHOTO: Architectural Studio SW.
The 'meditational glamping' pods have been wrapped around trees in the grounds of Chapel Cleeve Manor, Old Cleeve. PHOTO: Architectural Studio SW. ( )

“The existing manor house is in dire need of essential repairs.

“The main purpose of this form of development is to generate an income that will be solely used to repair the manor house.

“Once sufficient funds are reached to support the repair works, the pods would no longer be necessary, and easily removed with the site restored.”

Mr Elston said retrospective consent was sought for four domes to be used as holiday meditational glamping sleeping accommodation.

The domes were set on raised timber decks, wrapped around the existing trees, with two toilet/shower room pods and bathing platforms.

The 13 feet diameter by nine feet high domes were made with Perspex hexagonal panels positioned on a timber deck with timber steps, all wrapping around existing trees.

They were connected via a raised timber pathway to a timber clad toilet/washroom to be be used by visitors staying in the pods.

Raised decking for the 'meditational glamping' pods in the grounds of Chapel Cleeve Manor, Old Cleeve, have not affected tree roots. PHOTO: Architectural Studio SW.
Raised decking for the 'meditational glamping' pods in the grounds of Chapel Cleeve Manor, Old Cleeve, have not affected tree roots. PHOTO: Architectural Studio SW. ( )

A bathing platform would also be connected via a raised timber deck.

Mr Elston said the 31,600 sq ft site in the south east corner of the listed curtilage was densely populated with trees.

He said: “The pods have been carefully positioned so no trees have been felled.

“The timber decks have been carefully formed so no foundations are required, and therefore, not affecting the existing tree roots.

“The purpose of the domes is to work in harmony with the woodland area and be easily removed when the pods are no longer required.”

Holiday guests would use them for a form of luxury camping known as glamping, with access via the main entrance and a small hard standing area for four vehicles.

Mr Elston said: “The installation of the glamping domes would assist in generating an income that would be used to support the ongoing essential repair works to the Grade II* listed building.

“The timber decks and WC pods would be constructed in natural timber and no trees would be affected by the proposal.

“The structure and domes could be easily removed, and the site restored, when the domes are no longer necessary.”

In June, Somerset planners refused permission for 6.5 feet high woven hazel fences which Mr Street had used to fill gaps in a boundary hedge line to stop people having views over Chapel Cleeve Manor, and gave him three months to remove the fencing.