SOUTH LAKELAND FARMERS TO DIVERSIFY INTO HOLIDAY LODGES

Farmers Edward and Ethel Wilson received planning approval by the South Lakeland Council to diversify their Flookburgh farm into 15 holiday lodges last week.

The 80-year-old farming couple from Cumbria previously applied for planning permission for 30 lodges, but this was recommended for refusal by the local council’s planning committee last June, causing the Wilsons to withdraw their application and reevaluate their diversification project.

According to the farmers’ representative, Julian Handy, the new plans presented featured a smaller number of lodges designed to minimise the impact on the landscape.

Regarding the Wilsons’ intention behind the scheme, Mr Handy added: "It's all about the modern day viability of the farm, and to make sure that this is continued for generation to generation, one after another, diversification is key. Hence the reason for the application."

"We have considered all the issues, whether it be ecology or highways access."

The Lower Holker Parish Council accepted the reduction of the number of lodges as an impactful amendment and decided to grant the application, claiming she was happy the ‘lovely swathe of field’ would remain untouched.

"I think that shows off this landscape to visitors," she said. "There's one or two caravan parks in this area and they're very well supported and actually what they're doing is keeping our village amenities going and I think they ought to be commended."

Source:The West Morland Gazette