A Suffolk (United Kingdom) farm has submitted a proposal for an eco-friendly expansion to the holiday accommodation on the site.
According to a report, Whitehouse farm, located near Wetherden, proposed plans to the mid-Suffolk district council. The proposal comprises ten lodges, six glamping pods, four shepherd’s huts, and ten camping pitches.
The self-catering accommodations will be complemented by a newly-created lake that has been created with an eco-friendly touch.
Rob Hasselder, owner of Whitehouse farm, stated that the overall plan is to expand the existing holiday cottage business, with the appeal of glamping and staycations that they have at the moment.
“To give people the opportunity to enjoy the Suffolk countryside, in a sustainable and ecologically friendly way,” Hasselder said.
Hasselder believes that the plans, including a trimmed trail that runs around the property, will allow every aspect of the accommodation to have its own unique experience.
“That’s the beauty of the site and application. The shepherd’s huts and the few campsite pitches that we’ve got are in their own space. The glamping pods are in their own space, and the lake and lodges are in their own space,” he added.
Hasselder hopes that the plans will assist in heading towards a zero-carbon footprint through the use of ground-mounted solar technology as well as roof-mounted systems on the lake-side lodges.
Tree-planting and the addition of bat and bird boxes to the site are among the measures being implemented to reach the eco-friendly goals of the project.
“From my perspective, increasing the biodiversity, keeping the ecology alive, and enhancing it as much as we possibly can would be absolutely great,” Hasselder said.
The planning application states that holidaymakers themselves will also add to the local economy, with local attractions benefiting and local retail and food outlets in the nearby villages of Elmswell and Haughley.
Hasselder also expressed that it is a long-term plan, it’s not going to happen overnight, and there’s a lot of investment needed to get the project to its full potential.
“Being able to share this lovely spot with people is actually quite a privilege,” Hasselder ended.