A campsite in Felmingham, near Aylsham, is seeking to expand its accommodation options with the addition of glamping units as part of a diversification effort aimed at enhancing its appeal to visitors.
Mill Farm Camping has submitted a planning application to North Norfolk District Council for permission to install five safari-style tents around one of the three lakes situated on the 11-hectare property.
The proposal is part-retrospective, as one of the safari tents and its accompanying wooden platform have already been constructed. The tents are designed to sit on timber bases with canvas roofs and offer views across the lake.
According to North Norfolk News, each unit would accommodate up to three guests, featuring a double and a single bed, a compact kitchen area, and a covered veranda with outdoor seating.
Four of the tents in the plan include private toilet, shower, and sink facilities. The one already on-site has a standalone bathroom pod situated next to it.
The proposed structures are intended to complement the site’s natural surroundings, and the development aligns with the broader trend in the outdoor hospitality sector toward offering upgraded, experience-based accommodations to meet evolving guest expectations.
Mill Farm Camping has been in operation for over three decades and currently offers 32 touring pitches with water and electric hook-ups suitable for tents, caravans, and motorhomes.
The site’s location includes three lakes, one of which is designated for fishing, providing a tranquil environment that supports recreational activities.
The application is now under review, and North Norfolk District Council is expected to make a decision by August 20. If approved, the expansion would allow the site to tap into the growing glamping market, which has seen increased consumer interest in recent years.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, the Mill Farm initiative highlights a model of incremental diversification, using existing land assets to introduce higher-margin accommodation options without extensive new infrastructure.
Operators considering similar upgrades may benefit from observing how this phased development integrates with an existing camping business and navigates the planning process.