A NEW Milton hotel has applied for permission to build three treehouses providing six guest suites.

The Chewton Glen Hotel in Christchurch Road has applied to BCP Council for three treehouses to accompany the existing seven.

A design and Access statement submitted as part of the application said: “Chewton Glen Hotels Ltd is keen to build on the new success of the existing treehouse suites, which have added significantly to the hotel’s brand.

“The treehouses each contain two suites, which are a mixture of types including: studio; one-bedroom with sleeping loft; and those with a detached bedroom pod.

“Since Covid-19, the hotel has seen an unprecedented rise in demand for the exclusive serviced accommodation that the treehouses provide.

“This trend is set to continue, and the hotel is looking to meet the future needs of visitors by adding further to its accommodation portfolio.”

Developers identified two locations for the treehouses, north of the driveway or north of the existing treehouses.

The land north of the current treehouses currently has permission for one extra unit, the statement said.

It continued: “The new suites will have a similar design solution to the existing treehouses. They will be built on platforms, which not only facilitates the construction on a steep site, but importantly minimises the physical presence of the proposal of the proposal on the receiving environment and creates ‘treehouse’ concept.”

The treehouses will have a “spacious master bedroom with a substantial en-suite on the ground floor, with double doors onto the private terrace”.

There will also be a first floor “sleeping loft”, ground-floor shower room, shared living and dining space, built-in kitchenette and shared lobby.

The statement added: “Access to the proposed treehouse suites will be car-free and via a new woodland path from the main driveway.

“Six parking spaces will be provided adjacent to the driveway to the south of the new treehouse suites.

“The pathway to the suites will be relatively flat and appropriately surfaced and sized to ensure easy access for the mobility impaired pushchairs.

“The proposed lodges have been carefully sited to minimise impact on trees and vegetation.

“However, the proposed development will require the removal/partial removal of six category C trees and pruning of three further category C trees, along with the removal of some ground vegetation cover within the construction zone.

“The proposed development forms an essential element of the hotel’s business plan which seeks to constantly upgrade, diversify and improve the services and facilities offered to its guests, in order to remain a leader in the UK’s hospitality sector.”