A proposal has been submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council seeking approval to transform a portion of a disused agricultural field into a small camping and caravan site in Sutton on Trent, Nottinghamshire.
According to the planning application, roughly a quarter of an acre of the four-acre field at Common Farm, located along Ossington Lane, would be developed to accommodate visitors.
The proposal outlines plans for five tent pitches and five caravan pitches, alongside supporting infrastructure including a wooden toilet and shower block and ten additional parking spaces.
According to the Newark Advertiser, the development would also involve laying hardcore and gravel surfacing to establish stable ground for the pitches.
Planning documents note that the field has been unused since 2010, following its previous use for both crop production and animal housing. The rest of the site would remain as grassland. The council is expected to review the application and issue a decision at a later date.
If approved, the development could provide new opportunities for small-scale rural tourism and diversification within the local economy.
Across the UK, similar projects have been encouraged under policies supporting sustainable rural development and the growth of the domestic camping and caravanning market.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, the proposal reflects an ongoing trend of farms repurposing underused land to attract leisure visitors, providing supplemental income while promoting countryside experiences.
Operators considering similar ventures can look to this example as an indicator of the regulatory and infrastructure requirements typically involved in establishing a small campsite.
Local authorities generally consider factors such as traffic impact, waste management, and environmental protection during the planning process—elements that are key for ensuring compliance and long-term operational viability.
The Newark and Sherwood District Council has not yet announced when the decision on the Common Farm proposal will be made.