A former police dog handler’s glamping pod project in East Cleveland has been approved, overcoming local objections and concerns.
East Cleveland: So, there’s this former police dog handler named Lee Wilson who wanted to set up some glamping pods in Stanghow. After a bit of back and forth with the locals, he finally got the green light for his project.
His plan includes two cozy pods, a dog exercise area, and parking for five cars. The planning officer thought it was a good idea, especially since it’s on some paddock land near these old cottages.
Lee’s all about creating a chill spot for emergency workers and their families to unwind. He mentioned how stressful their jobs can be and wants to offer them a peaceful getaway.
But not everyone was on board. Some locals raised concerns about noise and traffic, saying they already had issues with parking in the area. One resident even claimed that Lee’s activities, like running an ice cream van, added to the chaos.
There were worries about dogs running loose and causing trouble with livestock too. One local said the plans wouldn’t help the community and could really mess things up for the village.
Lee, a dad of two, defended his project, saying he loves the area and has put a lot of effort into fixing up the cottages he owns. He wants the pods to be a quiet, relaxing place, not a party zone.
The access to the pods will be via a shared road, and Lee assured everyone that visitors would park out of sight to keep things private. He also said the dog area would only be for guests and his family.
Some locals were still worried about noise and rowdy guests, but Lee promised to manage everything respectfully. The planning committee, after hearing all sides, decided to approve the pods, saying they wouldn’t negatively impact the area.
In the end, the committee felt the pods would be well-hidden by trees and wouldn’t bother anyone. They also noted that this could bring in some tourism and investment, which the area could really use.
