A LUXURY treehouse development at a popular hotel is well on the way to completion.

Work on the latest treehouse at Chewton Glen, New Milton, is due to finish in autumn.

Set on greenbelt land in the New Forest, issues surrounding the proposal were aired before the treehouse was given the go-ahead.

Planners Terence O’Rourke worked alongside the hotel in gaining planning permission in one of the UK’s most environmentally sensitive areas.

Terence O'Rourke and Chewton Glen's reputation and the benefits to tourism were all cited as reasons for approving the plans.

Due for completion in early October this year, the new spacious treehouse will be the largest in Chewton Glen’s portfolio, sleeping up to eight people.

The accommodation can also be divided into two separate suites for smaller parties.

Chewton Glen currently has 12 treetop residences available.

The new design raises the standard on offer with its own professional kitchen where a personal chef can take care of all private dining arrangements.

The treehouse will also include a wood burner, marble bathroom and large outdoor terrace with day beds and hot tubs to take in the forest views from a tree canopy.

The development is part of the hotel’s ongoing expansion plans after Terence O’Rourke recently handed over £2.6m cookery school, The Kitchen, which is headed up by celebrity chef James Martin.

The company, which has offices in London and Bournemouth, said it had to overcome a variety of challenges to see the treehouse project secure permission.

Terry Williams, director at Terence O’Rourke, said: “We believe the decision of the planners to grant permission supported our belief of the great benefits of the proposal.

"We overcame various challenges by closely working with many stakeholders, providing precedence studies and undertaking research trips.”

Andrew Stembridge, managing director at Chewton Glen, said: “Terence O’Rourke has successfully supported the evolution of this unique property with design and planning solutions, and brought the hotel unprecedented international PR exposure and improved the dynamics of the business.”