Plans have been submitted to the local authority for the development of a dual-purpose music recording studio and campsite on a rural site near Beacon Fell in Lancashire.
The proposal, submitted by John Macdonald of Penwortham, outlines the intended transformation of a plot on Delph Lane in Oakenclough, Bleasdale, combining elements of agritourism and creative enterprise.
The application seeks approval to convert an existing agricultural shed into a music recording studio with overnight accommodation, and to establish a small-scale camping operation.
According to the design and access statement, the studio would provide extended recording opportunities, with sessions ranging from four days to a full month.
Bookings would be limited to one act at a time, with recording scheduled Monday through Thursday and computer-based work occurring on Fridays.
The facility would operate between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., with studio users accompanied by a producer and sound engineer for the duration of their stay.
“The recording studio offers long-stay recording opportunities which can range in length from four days to a full month, with users being on-site for the entirety of their booking,” the application states.
“The studio will operate Monday to Friday between the hours of 10am and 6pm, with recording taking place Monday to Thursday and Fridays being reserved for computer work. Only one act will be able to book at a time.”
Supporting accommodations include a bedroom, bathroom, and open-plan kitchen and living space within the converted building. Additional overnight options for studio clients will be available via the adjacent campsite.
The proposed campsite component includes three glamping pods and a timber lodge designed to function as a site office, shop, and welfare facility.
The application also seeks to open the grounds to members of the public on weekends, specifically from Friday through Sunday.
During the summer season, guests would be able to book grass tent pitches, bell tents, and caravan spaces, while the glamping pods and hardstanding pitches would be available year-round.
According to Blog Preston, the site has a complex planning history. While permission for five hardstanding caravan pitches was granted in 2011, subsequent applications over the past 14 years—including proposals for cattle sheds and a doggy day care facility—were not approved.
The current proposal marks a shift toward mixed-use rural enterprise, combining tourism, recreation, and creative industry.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality industry, this development highlights the increasing interest in multi-use rural spaces that cater to both recreational and niche professional audiences.
Integrating creative amenities, such as a music studio, with traditional camping infrastructure may appeal to a broader demographic and could offer additional revenue opportunities during the off-peak season.
The application is currently under review by the local planning authority. No approval date has been announced.