A planning application has been submitted for a new small-scale campsite at Weirmarsh Farm, near Umberleigh in North Devon.
The proposal, led by Mr. Joshua May, outlines the development of a 35-pitch camping site aimed at supporting sustainable rural tourism and offering a diversified income stream for the farm.
The application, which includes the construction of a new vehicular entrance, access track, and ablutions building, is now under consideration by North Devon Council.
According to the Design and Access Statement accompanying the application, the site is intended to deliver a low-impact holiday experience.
“The client would like the campsite and facilities to have an emphasis on farming and sustainable tourism,” the statement reads.
The site’s target audience includes families, school groups, and individuals with special educational needs, with the broader aim of alleviating overcrowding at coastal campsites during peak tourism seasons.
Situated approximately two kilometres from the village of High Bickington, the proposed location lies outside any conservation areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or designated flood zones.
The development is described as being well screened by the existing landscape, with further plans to improve biodiversity through native tree planting and the establishment of wildflower meadows.
The proposal aligns with broader rural diversification strategies encouraged in agricultural communities across the UK.
By combining tourism with agricultural education and environmental stewardship, the project reflects a growing trend in the outdoor hospitality sector where landowners seek alternative revenue streams amid fluctuating farming incomes and changing visitor preferences.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality industry, this proposal illustrates how small-scale, nature-based accommodations can serve as a viable model for rural diversification.
The inclusion of inclusive programming and ecological enhancements may also provide competitive differentiation in a saturated camping market increasingly focused on sustainability and educational experiences.
According to DevonLive, no timeline for a decision on the application has been publicly confirmed, though standard local authority review processes may provide an outcome in the coming months.