A planning application has been submitted to Mid Devon District Council for a small-scale glamping development at Worth House, near Washfield, Tiverton.
The proposal, submitted by applicant Karen Hannan, seeks permission to change the land use on a portion of the 14.5-acre estate to accommodate two temporary cabins and a seasonal yurt for guest use.
According to planning documents, the development would feature “high quality glamping accommodation comprising of two temporary cabins and the use of an existing yurt.”
The cabins are designed with low environmental impact in mind, incorporating removable groundscrew foundations and locally sourced timber, some of which was salvaged from trees felled in storms on the property.
One cabin is noted for its design integration with a living ash tree growing through the structure.
The existing yurt, currently used privately by the family, would be repurposed to host two guests seasonally. Though located in Flood Zone 2, the planning documents assert that the site is “adequately flood resistant and resilient.”
Access to the site would be via an existing entrance, with parking for up to six vehicles. No additional hardstanding is proposed, and visitors would be guided to the units by grass footpaths.
According to DevonLive, the development includes plans to enhance local biodiversity through wildflower meadow creation and the planting of native trees, aiming to achieve a 10% net gain in line with national planning guidance.
A business plan accompanying the application presents a strong economic rationale, citing a shortage of comparable glamping options in the area.
Market research identified only two similar offerings within a 10-kilometre radius, with neither providing yurt accommodations. Demand for cabin-style stays in rural settings, based on insights from platforms such as Canopy & Stars, is reported to be rising.
The project is forecasted to generate over £88,000 in annual visitor spending for the local economy and create nearly one full-time equivalent position in site management and cleaning.
Day-to-day operations would be overseen by the applicant and supported by letting agents.
The planning statement highlights alignment with the Mid Devon Local Plan, referencing Policy DM22 on tourism and leisure.
It notes the proposal has been “designed to respect the character of [its] surroundings” and minimize visual and residential impacts due to natural screening and the site’s low density.
If approved, construction and setup could begin within five to nine months, depending on the planning authority’s timeline.
The site could be operational and accepting guests within a year, offering year-round accommodations that aim to balance environmental sustainability with guest comfort.
The planning application is currently under review by Mid Devon District Council. Supporting documents submitted with the application include a Design and Access Statement, Flood Risk Assessment, Business Plan, and Biodiversity Net Gain report.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, this application reflects several trends gaining traction across the UK: the shift toward lower-impact development, demand for distinctive and rustic guest experiences, and the value of integrating sustainability measures into business models.
The proposal also serves as a case study in leveraging natural assets, such as woodland or riverside settings, to create unique selling points in an increasingly competitive market.