Friday November 21st 2025
An artist's impression of how the glamping pods would look on Midlothian field
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
A bid to put four glamping pods in a field used for grazing sheep has been rejected after planners said it did not ‘respect’ its surroundings.
The plans for land next to Walltower Farm, Howgate, in Midlothian, were said by the applicant to be a way to ensure its long term future.
However planners refused to grant permission after ruling the design did not “respect the character of the area”.
And they said the proposals would require the felling of mature trees and have an ‘unacceptable impact’ on woodlands and the countryside.
Applicants Mr and Mrs Marwick had argued the pods would provide welcome accommodation for tourists, create additional jobs in the area and secure the future of the farm.
In their design statement their agents also pointed to the popular Alpine Coaster ride at Midlothian Snow Sports Centre as an additional draw for visitors to the area.
They said: “The proposed development will form part of a farm diversification project to help sustain the future viability of Walltower Farm. The farm is a family-run business with a mix of livestock and arable crops. Diversifying the farm will help ensure income from multiple revenue streams that can contribute to the farm’s needs.
“Tapping into niche markets like agritourism allows farmers to capitalise on emerging consumer trends, create stronger community ties and promote local
economic development.
“The inclusion of four glamping pods in this location will contribute significantly to the longevity of Walltower Farm and will provide additional employment opportunities to the local area.
“The farm is located in a popular area of the countryside, surrounded by scenic views of the Pentland Hills and close to existing tourist attractions such as
Midlothian Snowsports Centre which has recently opened a new Alpine Coaster.”
However planning officers criticised the layout of the pods in the field saying it appeared to place the views available to guests above the impact on people looking towards the landscape.
They said: “The site is a part of a steeply sloping field which is relatively open. The proposal does not respect the character of the area.
“The layout of the pods is very linear, strung out across the hill and the field. This appears to have been designed to maximise outlook from the pods rather than consider or reference the impact of the landscape setting of the surrounding area.”
Refusing planning permission for the camping venture, they said: “Glamping pods are not a traditional feature of this part of Midlothian’s sensitive
landscape.
“They have been proposed to be sited in such a ways as to be highly
visible. The proposal would result in an obtrusive and unsympathetic development, incongruous to the surrounding rural landscape.
“As a result, the proposed development would have a significant adverse impact on the character and visual amenity of the area.”
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