Farm's 'harmful' camping pods plans thrown out

Plans to add camping pods to a farm site offering tourist accommodation have been thrown out by the government.

The project at Ewe Dale Farm in Pennington, near Ulverston, Cumbria, had already been deemed "inappropriate" and refused permission by Westmorland and Furness Council in April.

An appeal to the government's planning inspectorate has also now been dismissed due to concerns the impact of the plans would not outweigh the "moderate economic benefits" they would bring.

Its report said: "The scale and layout of the proposal would also cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the area."

Proposals involved dedicating an area to camping, with an existing building converted to provide toilets and washing facilities, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Planning documents show Ewe Dale Farm already has five holiday cottages and three timber lodges.

The appeal submitted to the inspectorate said the project should be seen as complementing the existing tourism offer at the site.

It added: "There is a growing demand for smaller units of accommodation for short stays, and pods are an ideal form of accommodation."

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