2 weeks Ago
A retrospective planning application for Airbnb 'shepherd huts' has been rejected. Horsham District Council turned down the plans for three holiday huts on March 14, two of which were already on site at Furnace Lakes. The application was submitted by the owner of the Furnace Lakes fishery.
The owner wanted to use the huts as holiday lets for extra income after deciding to reduce fishing activities on the estate, after the previous owner faced issues with unregulated anglers. The owner wanted to replace the lost income by offering the huts to non-fishing guests. The shepherd huts, each measuring 6.
1m by 2.3m, are equipped with a double bed, small kitchen area, and a shower room. Each hut also has a hot tub and firepit outside.
The planning application stated that the two huts already on site were very popular and were among the "top 5% of properties on Airbnb", with 78 five-star ratings. The Airbnb listing describes the huts as: "Traditional charm meets modern comfort in our handcrafted Shepherd's Hut. "Whether you're looking for a romantic retreat or a peaceful solo escape, our hut promises an unforgettable getaway immersed in nature's beauty.
" Prices start from £167 per night. READ MORE: Striking 19th century church could be at risk of demolition However, the council's arboricultural officer advised against the proposal due to the impact on ancient woodland. The officer recommended that the application be refused, citing the "direct loss of a section of ancient woodland".
The officer suggested that the development should be relocated to a "less landscape sensitive area of the site." In the council's planning report, it was noted that the huts were of a "modest size" and had "limited visual impact" on the surrounding landscape. However, the report stated that the application was refused due to the "lack of information on flood risk" and the impact on the ancient woodland, which is against National Planning Policy Framework guidance.
READ NEXT: Traditional pub with 'loyal local following' on sale for £380,000 The report said: "The proposed use for holiday-let accommodation is considered to support the rural economic development within the district and contribute to the wider provision of tourist accommodation within the district. "The proposal is of a nature and scale that would not result in harm to the amenities of neighbouring properties. "However, due to the lack of information on flood risk and the application site falling within flood zone 3, it is considered that there is not satisfactory information to demonstrate that the proposed development would not be adversely impacted by flood risk.
"Furthermore, the proposal has not suitably demonstrated or justified further landscape harm or loss of ancient woodland." Rudgwick Parish Council also objected to the proposal. It can be viewed using the reference DC/24/1959.
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