Shepherd's Hut - Planning Permission

[Pasty]

Anyone done this on here? I've got a 7 acre field about a mile away from the main farm. It's a stunning location with a striking geographical feature from which you get amazing panoramic views of South Devon. I'm looking to make a go of the farm full time so was considering taking a 4 acre square out of the field and selling it to fund other enterprises / livestock. The field is in some ways a bit of a pain as keeping it either means renting to the neighbour for little money or take stock back and forth (not the end of the world I know). The 3 acres left include the feature and also a lovely little rocky area with ancient oaks growing as well as some scrub. The plan would be to clear the scrub and plant the whole 3 acres as hardwood coppice with standards. Oak, Sweet Chestnut, Hazel, Ash etc.

This will hopefully provide me and my followers with a good source of easy to harvest wood for fuel / posts / building etc. in 20 years or so if I'm still knocking about.

What we were also looking at was a shepherd's hut (or 2) in the new wood. It's a secluded location, not in view of any homes. Off the road but with an existing track. I think it would go well with folk who wanted a complete cut off and seclusion, rather than the mainstream glamping lot. There is mains water on site and we were thinking compost loo and maybe solar shower etc.

Has anyone put in for PP for this and got it / failed. If so what were the concerns / objections? I know local plans vary so may need to have a look at ours.

 

[multi power]

Is a shepherds hut not on wheels? Rather than a permanent structure?
So why would it need planning?

 

[Pasty]

I would imagine that they would see it as change of use if it was in 1 place for a long time. I was looking at building my own on a hay trailer chassis so it could be moved around the farm.

 

[multi power]

I hadn't thought about the change of use

 

[Goatherderess]

presumably you need it for the forestry work ....and then 28 day camping doesn't need planning.

 

[Juggler]

I'm also looking at shepherds huts and did wonder about planning, and whether there was a need as they were not a permanent structure. I haven't enquired with our local authority yet but am going to the glamping show this weekend at Stoneleigh and hope to get some guidance there.

We've currently got Bell tents and haven't gone for planning for these as they are only up for a short time, we take a cut of hay off the field they are in during summer and graze it over winter, so is this even a change of use?

 

[Pasty]

Depends on your authority probably. If you are getting away with it then probably best to carry on. It's not illegal to breach planning. I'm a parish Councillor though so have to go by the book (or quit and plant some tall hedges).

 

[roadrunner13]

I hear lots on glamping these days.

Does anyone here actually get on well with it?

Ever product has its place in the market but from those I know and what I hear it seems to be a passing (passed?) phase?

We looked at it briefly but it seemed a lot of hassle and the returns where poor with no obvious exit strategy.

As for planning, find a decent planning consultant, they are more valuable to me than any solictor out there at the moment!

 

[Pasty]

We are still looking at it. Many of the websites you read talk of big investment and big returns but we are looking at something a little more 'special'. I think there will always be a market for that. Many of the sites you see now are just a row of safari tents in a silage field. I just don't know how much work it would be for a few yurts, shepherds hut and pods, say 6 maximum. Is that a full time job or an hour a day. Would also be interested to hear from someone who actually does it.

 

[Juggler]

If you're cleaning them yourself in between bookings, it takes us an hour to do 2 Bell tents, that's if people leave them tidy, we supply all bed linen etc.

We're looking at running max 4 Bell tents and a shepherds hut or similar that we could let for a longer period than the tents.

 

[Pasty]

If you're cleaning them yourself in between bookings, it takes us an hour to do 2 Bell tents, that's if people leave them tidy, we supply all bed linen etc.

We're looking at running max 4 Bell tents and a shepherds hut or similar that we could let for a longer period than the tents.

So changeover is the big labour input?

 

[Juggler]

Pretty much yes, depends how special you want to make it, but cleaning and changing beds etc does take time....and some people don't understand that check out by 11.00 means we need your tent empty by 11.00am..lol and you cant rush them. You live and learn though.

 

[Pasty]

Pretty much yes, depends how special you want to make it, but cleaning and changing beds etc does take time....and some people don't understand that check out by 11.00 means we need your tent empty by 11.00am..lol and you cant rush them. You live and learn though.

Understand. This is what we are discussing at the mo. You can't just set times and rules when other people are involved. I've wondered about adding a clear day after the booking to ease the pressure. So if they booked Friday to Sunday, you would only take a booking starting on Monday evening or something. But maybe that takes too many days out.

 

[Kidds]

If it is as nice as you say it is then renting it out as a wedding reception venue is worth considering.
About £1k a go and about 10 per year.There are people that do it professionally, all you have to do is provide the venue they do the rest.

 

[suffolksmallholder]

We've never had a complaint yet about our yurt and it has been up each year now for four years. All our visitors love it. The site is improving each year and will become more secluded as time passes.
I'd run on the 28 day rule for now. I used to have very successful Bushcraft events in a past life on the 28 day rule along with film co's and there was never any bother and this was in Buckinghamshire which is one of the worst NINBY counties.....
I still have my 1930's hay cart stashed in a barn ready for my next project but I'm a little tied up right now.
I think that if you have a good site, no bored neighbours and councillors who live in the real world you will be ok. Good luck!
SS

 

[Create-A-Cabin]

I wonder if we are able to help you? We can design a free standing structure for you to your desired specification, in a time frame to suit you and our prefabricated modular structures do not need planning permission. If this is of interest to you and you would like to speak to us, then please feel free to phone us for a chat on 01227 389 895 - Clare and Sebastien

 

[Pasty]

I wonder if we are able to help you? We can design a free standing structure for you to your desired specification, in a time frame to suit you and our prefabricated modular structures do not need planning permission. If this is of interest to you and you would like to speak to us, then please feel free to phone us for a chat on 01227 389 895 - Clare and Sebastien

Thanks, it's not really the building that needs permission I don't think. It would be the change of use to a camp site. Plan is on hold at the moment but will keep your number for future ref.

 

[Create-A-Cabin]

Thanks, it's not really the building that needs permission I don't think. It would be the change of use to a camp site. Plan is on hold at the moment but will keep your number for future ref.

If we can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to get in touch!
Wishing you the best of luck,
The Create a Cabin Team

 

[Juggler]

I've approached a planning consultant about Shepherds hut planning requirements, and also what I'd need to keep the Bell tents 'legit' and he replied that I'll need a full layout, Landscape Statement and, depending on the nature of the trees and hedgerows, an ecology report as well...Really? Or is this just drumming up some business for themselves, I'm tempted to just grasp the nettle and go and talk to my local planning department myself, gulp.

 

[YorkshireAndrew]

@Juggler , why not ring the planning department in your neighbouring county for advice , they won't be watching you then . [emoji11][emoji6]