Hobbit homes for north Shropshire tourists

Holidaymakers could stay in Lord of the Rings style earth homes built partly underground under new plans for a tourism development in north Shropshire.

Visitors to Shelvock near Ruyton-XI-Towns would stay in the specially built homes or converted farm buildings and enjoy riding, quad biking and a spa and fitness suite if the plans are backed.

And the luxury holiday and leisure centre could also be used for weddings.

David Corbett, who owns the historic Shelvock Farm with has wife, has applied for planning permission to convert farm buildings into holiday let units and build 13 'earth holiday homes'.

The couple say the earth homes, which would be similar to the Hobbit houses in the Lord of the Rings, would be built partly underground.

The proposals, which have been revised from original plans lodged last year with Shropshire Council, will bring a huge economic boost, a report to Shropshire Council says.

And today Mr Corbett said, if planning permission was granted, it would bring new jobs to the area.

The report to the council adds "The holiday market is growing as more affluent holiday makers look for regular weekend and longer breaks in attractive rural areas.

"The 3,500 holiday caravan and lodge parks in the UK account for more than £3 billion in visitor spending and account for 22 per cent of holiday bed nights.

"This proposed scheme will help in ensuring improved economic benefits to the locality and ensure more visitors to Shropshire in accordance with the council's own objectives.

"The converted barns and lodges will only be used as holiday accommodation and not the principal residence of any of the occupants.

"The use of this site for a exclusive holiday and small leisure park, will further aid farm diversification and meet Government advice and safeguard and develop local jobs."

Shropshire Council hopes to make a decision on the application by April 4.