VULNERABLE military veterans will be given access to glamping pods in Cumbria to help them ‘recover from a variety of conditions in a safe rural environment’.

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has approved plans from Care Farm & Fell Ltd to construct four glamping pods and a social building for use as short-stay accommodation for military veterans at Birks Farm in Sedbergh.

A design and access statement says: “This proposal is intended to provide a much-needed respite and recovery venue for military veterans who need recuperation from a variety of conditions. It is fully supported by many local branches of the Royal British Legion in Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness.

“The impact of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have generally slipped from the public consciousness. However, the incubation periods for combat-related psychological trauma keep the effects of those campaigns very much in the minds of our armed forces veterans.

“Many of them suffer badly from their experiences. These are people that need our help and support to re-engage with life by tackling their traumas with what the Dales can offer.”

According to planning documents each pod will accommodate two veterans and have shower and toilet facilities. A small kitchenette and a living/dining area are also included.

The social building will have consist of a single room with a Kitchenette and dining area, as well as a living area with a flat screen TV. There will be a table for making things and a pool table for leisure activity.

Planning documents adds: “This is for vulnerable military veterans who would benefit from tangible residential accommodation in a rural setting.

“The proposal is fully supported by the Royal British Legion local branches including Sedbergh, which are keen to support the venture with legacy funding and fundraising activities. It is an extension of the Rawthey Project pioneered by the applicant, Brian Capstick, to care for vulnerable military veterans and help them recover from trauma.”

In Sedbergh, The Rawthey Project CIC has been running since 2014 and has supported 456 disadvantaged and vulnerable armed forces veterans and the families through a ‘care farming’ model of peer support.

This planning application was approved on February 15.