A planning application for glamping cabins to be sited at a farm in Binegar has been approved by Mendip District Council.

The application for the change of use of land from agricultural land to campsite and the siting of up to two glamping cabins at Lea Farm, Bennetts Lane, Binegar, was submitted by Katherine Ladd.

The application said the glamping huts would be portable, low impact, and made of wood. They will be fully constructed off-site on a wooden chassis that sits on piers and fitted out on-site with sustainable materials.

In approving the proposals, the planning officer's report said: "The development consists of two glamping pods located within the southern section of the existing site.

"The design and style of the pods are of a design which is suited to the wider agricultural and rural surroundings.

"Additionally, they are modest in scale with a footprint of 36 square metres and a height of three metres.

"The proposed materials utilise timber finishes which is appropriate to the locality. They are in relatively discrete locations and not visible from the public highway.

"A large amount of planting, pathing and landscaping has been proposed within the development - hard and soft landscaping is to be secured by condition to ensure the impact on the rural locality is minimal."

The cabins will have a rugged aesthetic, with basic but comfortable accommodation that is designed to maximise the surrounding natural environment.

The huts are planned as part of a re-wilding project - running in conjunction with the Woodland Trust - and will fund further land purchases for wilding.

As they are unheated except for a small woodburner, they are not suitable for winter use and it is envisaged that they will be let from March to late October only.

Concerns had been raised about access, but the application was altered to enable entry to the site via an existing drive.

Once the plans were changed, backing was also given by Emborough Parish Council and St Cuthbert (Out) Parish Council.