RETROSPECTIVE planning permission is being sought for a shepherd's hut and a hot tub for use as a holiday let in a local village.

The planning application for utilising the shepherd’s hut at a farm at Sollers Hope as holiday accommodation, states that it is part of the farm’s diversification initiative and that the project, which comprises a hot tub, a composting toilet and an outdoor shower, was commenced and finished in August 2022.

A similar application has previously been refused by Herefordshire planners over concerns for the drainage proposals giving rise to significant effects on the River Wye’s Special Area of Conservation.

However, a new drainage strategy has been submitted, aiming to resolve these issues along with proposals which include changing the use of the land to mixed-use.

The applicant, Mr Powell, commissioned H+H Drainage to prepare a drainage strategy to address the reason for refusal which will enable the local authority to carry out an assessment to confirm there is no likelihood of any significant effects on the river’s Special Area of Conservation.

The application emphasises that among Herefordshire Council’s policies it makes it clear that there is local support ‘in principle’ for sustainable tourism related proposals and suggests the use of the shepherd’s hut can be controlled through a condition limiting its occupation to holiday accommodation only.

The agent, Ed Thomas of Tompkins Thomas Planning, confirms that the proposal has no impact on nearby residents, is not in a flood-prone area, and does not affect the setting of any heritage assets.

The agent states that investigations were undertaken in July this year and that no groundwater was encountered at a depth of over two metres below ground level.

The applications states that rainwater from the hut will discharge to ground via a simple eaves drop system without the need for any guttering or underground pipework.

The shepherd hut is served by a compost toilet as there is no public sewer available in the locality, while the grey-water arising from the shower facility will be disposed of through discharge to ground and doesn’t need consent to discharge from the Environment Agency.

Mr Thomas said in conclusion: “Now that the salient planning matters have been addressed planning permission should now be granted.”

Comments on the application, number P252484/F, can be made online via Herefordshire Council’s planning portal until Thursday, October 9.

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