Hot tub eco lodges planned for field near Grantham

A field in Boothby Pagnell will become home to three eco holiday lodges, if planning approval is granted.

Third generation farming family Philip and Sue Robinson are seeking permission to set up the new venture on their land, around a mile from their Bassingthorpe farm.

It would see two two-bedroom lodges and one with a single bedroom erected in a field that was previously used for cattle grazing.

Walls would be wood panel cladding with a flat roof in a dark grey finish. Timber frame double glazed windows and doors in a dark grey finish would be fitted. Each self-catering lodge would have a private decking area to the front, with a hot tub and barbecue.

A communal sensory garden with seating and a fire pit would encourage "communal evenings around the fire".

Mr and Mrs Robinson decided to move in the tourism industry following changes in their farming business.

The application states: "The main farm enterprise is now arable, having reared cattle for 20 years for their butchery outlet at the farm, selling the meat at local farmers' markets.

"The heavy physical work involved in this has become too onerous for Philip and Sue. The beef and butchery enterprise has recently stopped and the family are looking for a new, less physically demanding enterprise to replace the income.

"Philip and Sue have a previously run a highly commended bed and breakfast at Sycamore Farm and they believe there is a growing demand for high quality self-catering accommodation within South Kesteven."

It added: "Given its edge of village location and the family’s extensive experience at dealing with members of the public over their 20 years of attending farmers' markets, a tourism use would work well and would bring economic advantages to the farm and local area."

Mr and Mrs Robinson propose to offer short breaks from Friday to Monday and Monday to Thursday, and seven- and 10-night holidays.

The holiday lodge business would create two full-time jobs.