Log cabin plan hopes to boost Shropshire farm's income

Steve Jones has submitted plans to build three log cabins at Winston Farm in Tetchill, near Ellesmere.

He said he realises the need to diversify to improve the sustainability of the farm and provide an additional income.

The proposed development is set away from the farm and is screened from the house and farmyard by existing trees. Further planting is proposed to screen the proposed log cabins from the road

In planning documents, it states: “Mr Jones wants to offer a unique holiday experience, allowing visitors to relax and escape in this rural setting. The proposed development is on land adjoining Winston Farm, Ellesmere.

“The proposal will provide additional tourist accommodation in Shropshire, contributing to the local economy.”

The farm covers 290 acres of owned land, plus a further 400 acres of rented land, used for both arable farming and raising livestock.

The report adds: “Mr Jones has 900 cattle together with 2,500 finishing lambs. He is a young farmer, in his early thirties who wishes to diversify the income produced on the farm to support his young family and ensure the viability of the unit.”

Access to the site will be created off Hordley Road, with a new road to allow cars to access the proposed cabins, that will each have parking spaces.

The report says: “Farm diversification is of increasing importance to those with an interest in agriculture and rural communities as a whole.

“With rising uncertainty in farming, diversification offers a way of supplementing incomes and improving the economic viability of a farm business.”

Mr Jones sells Christmas trees over the winter period and also invites the wider community to an open farm day at Winston Farm on an annual basis.

The documents say: “These days allow the general public who may not have too much insight into rural life, a taste of how farms operate and gives them an awareness into how much farmers benefit the environment.

“This also benefits the rural economy, as well as the local economy.

“The development will not adversely impact on the landscape; with careful positioning and use of suitable materials the siting of the development will not have a significant impact on the visual of the site and its surroundings. The local road network is capable of accommodating the negligible amount of traffic generated by the proposal.

“This development will support both the local economy and local tourism.

“The proposal also meets the need for holiday accommodation within Shropshire.”