Powys: Treehouse holiday lodges near Newtown approved

After nine months of waiting, having submitted a planning application in June 2023, plans to build five one bedroom treehouse style lodges at Llwyngwyn Farm, Llanwnog, were granted planning permission on Tuesday, April 2.

The application was put together by treehouse builders and design company Blue Forest, on behalf of Mr Jing Dai.

In outlining the vision for the project, the application said: “The project will provide unique, high quality and sustainable tourism accommodation, diversifying the local tourist offering.

“The accommodation will engage guests in an outdoor experience through the promotion of outdoor activities, including walking trails and cycle routes, utilising public footpaths to draw users into the open landscape, to explore the natural beauty and wildlife.”

The application outlines two types of treehouse - a smaller design with a floorspace of 27 metres square and a larger type with 35 square metres of inside floor space, specifying that the materials would be sourced sustainably.

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The proposed development will also have external decking and is said to be set in a “well contained in the wider landscape” and has “good access” to the existing buildings and the surrounding area.

The application underwent some revisions in response to recommendations with Powys Highways Agency, who took issue with junction improvements, site access, and parking facilities, at one point commenting that “the application site is of a scale that there is no reason as to why five parking bays cannot be provided”.

Planning agent, Simon Payne of Blue Forest Ltd, said: “The business will contribute directly to the local economy with the creation of a part-time role to assist with the treehouse changeovers and by using local services and produce, wherever possible.

“On arrival guests will receive welcome hampers, including a variety of seasonal produce from Llwyngwyn and local farm shops.

“A local guide will provide recommendations for local farm shops, pubs, and tourist attractions as well as walking and cycling routes.”

 “We believe that the site is capable of accommodating the proposed treehouses with a very small effect to the landscape’s character.

“The scheme as a whole has been designed to respect the scenic beauty and maintain the areas distinctive sense of place.”