Farmer's tourism hopes as rural grants end

A south Cumbrian farmer hopes to replace the money she is losing from a rural payment scheme by diversifying into tourism.

Emma Knight has asked for planning permission to build two shepherd’s huts to rent out as holiday lets on her farm in the Duddon Estuary.

She says the income generated at Guards Farm, in Kirkby-in-Furness, would replace what she is going to lose when her Rural Payments Agency and Environmental Stewardship grants end.

A previous planning application submitted to Westmorland and Furness Council was refused due to the risk of the site flooding.

The farm receives rural payments, which will stop this year, as well as Environment Stewardship grants, which end in 2028.

"As you can see the farm is going to lose a large amount of revenue that needs to be replaced by some other means of income," Ms Knight said in a planning statement.

The site, overlooking the Duddon Estuary, would be used as a small holiday let for tourists wanting to explore the South Lakes area.

The huts will have an open-plan kitchen, sleeping area and bathroom.

“The proposal will satisfy demand for holiday accommodation in the area and will benefit the local economy,” Ms Knight added.

A previous planning application for the same site was refused as the council stated the proposed building falls within a flood zone.

It said the proposed use is "highly vulnerable" and the submitted flood risk assessment failed to meet the requirements of national guidance.

Ms Knight states in planning documents the area has a "high probability" of tidal and fluvial flooding, but the finished floor level of the huts is proposed to be raised to tackle the issue, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

A decision will be made in due course.

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