A proposed glamping development near the East Somerset Railway in Somerset, England, is under review by Somerset Council, with a decision on the planning application expected by early autumn. If approved, the project could open to guests in early 2027, adding a new accommodation option adjacent to one of the region’s heritage rail attractions.
The proposal, submitted by applicant David Corp, would be located at Merryfield Farm, south of Cranmore station near Shepton Mallet. The East Somerset Railway operates seasonal steam and diesel train services between Cranmore and Mendip Vale and forms part of the historic Cheddar Valley railway line, sections of which were closed during the Beeching cuts in the mid-1960s.
Parts of the former railway corridor have since been repurposed as the Strawberry Line multi-use trail connecting communities including Shepton Mallet, Wells, Cheddar, the Mendip Hills, and Yatton.
According to the Shepton Mallet, the development would include six two-bedroom holiday lodges, each designed to accommodate two guests, along with up to 13 yurts positioned on the western side of the property. Vehicle access would be provided from Piers Road, where a new 25-space parking area is planned adjacent to a reception building.
The reception facility would include a kitchen, showers, and restroom amenities for guests. Additional features proposed for the site include a dog pond, a wildflower meadow intended to enhance biodiversity, and improvements to pedestrian connections between the property and Cranmore station. One existing footpath would be upgraded with a wooden boardwalk to improve access.
A spokesperson for Della Valle Architects, representing Mr. Corp, said the project would help diversify the agricultural operation while making use of the site’s existing characteristics.
“The site is considered an ideal location to provide holiday accommodation in the form of lodges, glamping and free pitch camping, which can support diversification of the farm as a sustainable enterprise.
“The topography of the site is especially flat from the site entrance to the proposed location of the holiday lodges, reception and glamping area; therefore minimal landscaping works are required to facilitate this part of the proposed development.”
The planning statement accompanying the application also outlines potential economic impacts for the surrounding area, stating that nearby businesses in Cranmore and neighboring communities could benefit from both construction activity and future visitor spending.
It added: “The proposed development will create new job opportunities such as cleaning, maintenance, groundskeeping, catering, reception staffing, and the construction process in the shorter term, with future opportunities for growth subject to relevant permissions.”
The proposal has received support from representatives of the East Somerset Railway. Simon Bending, general manager of the railway, said the accommodations could complement the attraction’s existing visitor experience.
“We wholeheartedly support the plans, which would provide a fantastic facility enhancing our operations at Cranmore.
“We would be keen to support the additional foot access to Cranmore station and our existing facilities.”
Peter Thomson, who operates the station café at Cranmore, also expressed support for the project.
“We would hope that this would bring more visitors to the railway and to our business. It sounds like it’s something beneficial for all of us.”
For campground and glamping operators, the proposal illustrates how partnerships between accommodation providers and nearby tourism attractions can create complementary visitor experiences. Locating lodging within walking distance of heritage railways, trails, or other established attractions may encourage longer stays while reducing reliance on vehicle travel during a guest’s visit.
The project also demonstrates how diversification strategies for agricultural land continue to incorporate a mix of fixed accommodations, shared guest facilities, and environmental enhancements, reflecting approaches that many rural tourism businesses are exploring to broaden revenue sources while supporting local economies.
Somerset Council is expected to determine the application within the next three months. If planning permission is granted, construction would move forward with the goal of welcoming the site’s first guests in early 2027.