A planning application has been submitted to expand guest accommodations at Stanford Farm, a wedding venue and glamping destination in Halfway House, west of Shrewsbury, as the business seeks to increase its capacity for wedding guests and support its ongoing operations.
The proposal, recently lodged with the local planning authority, would retain an existing holiday lodge and five glamping pods already being used for wedding guests while adding one new holiday lodge and four additional glamping pods. The application also includes plans to designate a grass paddock for temporary camping that could accommodate up to 10 guests attending weddings held at the venue.
Established in 1916, Stanford Farm operates as an exclusive-use countryside wedding venue across a 52-acre property. The family-owned business offers multiple ceremony locations, including restored 19th-century stables and a lakeside pavilion. Existing overnight accommodations include a farmhouse, converted double-decker bus, and “hobbit huts.” In addition to weddings, the property hosts corporate events as well as stag and hen parties.
According to the planning statement submitted with the application, the proposed expansion is intended to address continued demand for on-site accommodations while supporting changes in how the property is used by its owners and guests.
“The growing informality of weddings and the popularity of the outdoors has seen a growing demand for locations such as Stanford Farm.”
“The venue continues to receive a good number of requests for weddings each year. The applicant already provides low-key accommodation on the site in the form of five glamping pods and wishes to add a further four units.”
“Similarly, accommodation for the bride and groom has historically been in the farmhouse with the owner living the lodge to the rear.”
“Due to changing family circumstances, the owner and her family now wish to move back into the farmhouse as she has a young family and the lodge is not ideal long-term accommodation. The bride and grooms’ families would then use the existing lodge and a newly sited lodge for pre- and post-wedding accommodation.”
“The principle of development is considered acceptable, providing modest accommodation to continue delivering an exclusive and attractive wedding venue that will support the continued operation of the farm.”
“The proposed extra pods and lodge will complement the other facilities, particularly in that the accommodation will be offered to guests attending weddings, allowing them to stay on site.”
“This scheme will help the established businesses diversify their services, continuing to provide a unique development attracting couples (and) supporting the economy for the local area.”
“The business at Stanford Farm has proved over many years that well-organized and managed weddings form an important part of the visitor and tourism economy of the Shropshire countryside.”
“The development will help to sustain a unique and high-quality wedding venue in association with an established and successful business.”
If approved, the expansion would increase the venue’s inventory of purpose-built glamping accommodations while formalizing the continued use of existing lodging facilities associated with wedding operations. The additional camping area would provide another accommodation option for guests attending ceremonies and related events held on the property, according to Shropshire Star.
For outdoor hospitality operators, the proposal reflects an ongoing trend among wedding venues, farms, and rural tourism businesses to integrate overnight accommodations into event-based operations.
Expanding on-site lodging can extend guest stays, create additional revenue streams beyond event bookings, and reduce transportation logistics for visitors attending multi-day celebrations. The application also illustrates how modest additions of glamping units can support business diversification while making greater use of existing hospitality infrastructure and event facilities.
The planning application will now be considered by the relevant local planning authority, which will determine whether the proposed expansion can proceed. No timeline for a planning decision has been announced.