South Ayrshire Council 'all aboard' with new glamping offering for countryside - featuring yurts and a double decker bus to stay in

A landowner has been given the green light to tap into the Ayrshire tourism market – by introducing yurts to her secluded countryside estate – complete with a double decker bus to stay in too.

Ayr businesswoman, Kerrie Chinn Stockley, wanted permission for a change of use of agricultural land and outbuildings to create short stay accommodation at Crorieshill, Cassillis, near Maybole.

The plans have been approved and they include the installation of temporary summer yurts, (essentially a portable, circular dwelling made of a lattice of flexible poles and covered in felt or other fabric), an office and therapy room, shower facilities – and the installation of the dark green double decker bus – which will also be converted into living accommodation.

The plan is also to convert the milking parlour into a one-bed retail unit with toilet/shower and therapy room. The therapy room will be used for massage treatments under taken by the applicant, offering a maximum of 12 treatments per week.

The design statement said: “This proposal is for the change of use of the outbuildings. One building is currently a milking parlour. It is proposed to convert this to a single bedroom rental unit, and to insert a bathroom building into the end of the existing building to contain laundry, two bathrooms and a therapy room.”

The statement goes on: “The existing fields have historically been used for agricultural grazing. This proposal includes the change of use from agricultural fields to glamping accommodation, with semi-permanent yurts that would be erected over the warmer months – and a converted double decker bus.

“The proposal includes sanitary facilities in the converted milking parlour which would cater for the toilet, shower and washing up requirements of the glamping accommodation. A therapy room will also be provided in this area.”

According to the proposals, the placements of the yurts have been “considered” so that they are “buffered” by buildings and hedgerows, using existing and proposed tree lines to “minimise noise and any light impact” on neighbouring houses and roads. Composting toilets will be provided to all yurts and the double decker bus.

In terms of the bus, it will boast one double bed and bunk beds.

A kitchenette, to front of the bus, comprising campervan oven and sink and fridge, will also be incorporated.

Just imagine staying on board a converted double decker bus

It was also proposed that it would be clad inside with wood and vinyl flooring.

The bus would be situated at the back of the barns and shielded from the road and access road. It will also be painted dark green to “blend” with the surrounding countryside.

In approving the plan council papers added: “The proposed accommodation is compatible with the surrounding area in terms of the nature and scale of the proposals, which supports the South Ayrshire tourism sector and provides holiday accommodation which has access to the locale road network.”

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