New holiday lodges will be constructed on farmland in Leicestershire following the unanimous approval of plans by Blaby District Council. The development, located in Oaklands on Hinckley Road in Leicester Forest West, will consist of eight timber-clad lodges designed to complement the rural surroundings.
The project includes six one-bedroom and two two-bedroom lodges, each with its own recreational area and parking space equipped with EV charging points. Arranged in a semi-circle near an existing pond, the lodges will be surrounded by approximately one hectare of open farmland.
A new driveway will connect the site to Peckleton Lane, with a separate entrance providing access for pedestrians and cyclists via existing paths and cycle lanes.
“We are thrilled plans have been unanimously approved by planning committee members for the creation of a new holiday and tourist destination in Leicestershire’s countryside,” Sachin Parmar, the planning director who led the project, emphasized in a news release.
“The development is an excellent example of a sensible and sustainable approach to diversifying existing land-based rural activity. The ten lodges are designed to offer a glamping-style of accommodation, and aim to attract families, couples, and small groups of people who are looking for a rural place to stay in the East Midlands.”
The lodges have been designed with the environment in mind, featuring timber cladding for a natural aesthetic and Grasscrete for hard surfaces to minimize environmental impact. Enhanced landscaping and planting across the site and along existing field boundaries will ensure the lodges integrate seamlessly into their countryside setting.
The one-hectare site’s location, bound by dense structural vegetation, will shield the development from public view while preserving much of the land for traditional agricultural use.
Parmar added that the development’s location in the western corner of the farmland was deliberately chosen to minimize its visual impact.
The project represents an innovative approach to rural tourism development, combining environmental considerations with a commitment to supporting the East Midlands’ growing reputation as a destination for outdoor hospitality. The lodges aim to attract a broad audience while enhancing the value of the land through thoughtful design and sustainable practices.
