A proposal to establish a glamping site at a Nottinghamshire farm has been rejected by Bassetlaw District Council, citing concerns over its impact on the rural landscape, highway safety, and local wildlife.
The application, submitted by farmer Joe Howard, sought permission to install eight two-person pods on Hodsock Lodge Farm, located near Langold, about four miles from Worksop.
The plan aimed to create an additional revenue stream for the farm, which has been affected by extreme weather conditions impacting crop and livestock production.
The proposed site would have covered 0.8 hectares—approximately the size of two football fields—and was designed to operate year-round.
Each pod was planned to accommodate four people and feature a wood-fired hot tub and decking, according to a report by Worksop Guardian.
The project was positioned as a means of farm diversification, offering an alternative source of income to counter the financial pressures on the agricultural business.
However, council officers refused the application, stating that the development would result in “substantial harm” to the countryside and contribute to an “unjustified domestication” of the rural setting.
In its decision notice, the council noted that the principle of tourism-related development in the proposed location was not considered acceptable due to the “harmful and unjustified scale of development.”
Officials also pointed out that the applicant had not provided sufficient information to demonstrate the need for diversification or how the glamping site would complement the farm’s primary operations.
“The overall principle of a tourism development in this location is not considered acceptable, primarily due to the harmful and unjustified scale of development proposed,” the council stated.
Additionally, Nottinghamshire County Council’s highways authority objected to the plan, warning that it would pose an “unacceptable impact on highway safety.”
Environmental concerns were also raised, with the council stating that there was inadequate information to ensure the site would not cause “unacceptable harm” to protected species.
The case highlights the regulatory challenges that agricultural businesses face when attempting to diversify through outdoor hospitality ventures.
While glamping continues to grow as a revenue stream for rural landowners, securing approval remains complex, particularly in locations where development could alter the character of the countryside.
Business owners looking to invest in similar projects must ensure that their proposals align with local planning policies, address environmental concerns, and demonstrate clear economic benefits tied to their primary farming operations.