Ironbridge Gorge camping pods scheme backed
A new "glamping" site will be an extra attraction to the Ironbridge Gorge area, councillors have said.
Plans for six luxury camping pods on a site opposite The Coach House in Strethill Road in the gorge parish went before Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee last night.
The site will also have a change of use so the field can be used for camping.
Concerns were raised by Councillor Maureen Bragg, from The Gorge Parish Council, and local resident David Harrison about the access to the site, water supply and toilet and shower facilities.
Valerie Hulme, a planning officer at Telford & Wrekin Council, told the committee: "We haven't got anything like this in the gorge and it is one more thing we can offer in the gorge.
"It will add small employment in addition to the extra tourism."
The proposed camping site and pods will employ two people.
Councillor Bragg said she would like to see more information on the plan before the committee allowed it to go through.
Councillor Gillian Reynolds said: "I think 'glamping' is an excellent addition to the tourism we have in the gorge and I actually think it's really good. It is also nice to hear it will create some extra jobs."
The recommendations for the committee was to delegate authority to planning officers to grant full planning permission, which was moved by Councillor Christopher Turley and seconded by Councillor Nigel Dugmore.
