Green light for park's luxury 'lion pod' tents

COUNCIL SAYS YES TO PORT LYMPNE RESERVE PLANS

- By JACK FIFIELD

The park is home to seven lions

(GARETH FULLER)

PORT Lympne Hotel and Reserve has been given planning permission to build 12 new "lion pods" - offering visitors the chance to spend a night among the big cats.

The wild animal park, which has become a popular luxury staycation spot in recent years, already boasts the £1,800-a-night Lion Lodge, which has hosted celebrities including Rio Ferdinand, Kelly Brook, and Amanda Holden.

The owners, Howletts and Port Lympne Estates, have now been given permission to build a dozen “lookout” pods, which it says will provide “uninterrupted closeup” big cat views.

The all-weather luxury tents will be reached from a verandah running alongside the habitat in which lions Hunter, Oudrika, and five cubs live.

Construction is due to start late next year.