Eight camping lodges will be created on unused farmland in Ashfield after plans were approved by councillors.
Members of Ashfield District Council’s planning committee approved the plans, at Fackley Farm in Teversal, giving a new lease of life to an “overgrown” former farm.
The plans will also see the creation of a new access road and customer parking on land lying alongside the popular Silverhill Trail route.
The meeting, on Wednesday (October 6), heard the land is currently used as storage for agricultural machinery and associated paraphernalia and was described by one councillor as “unsightly”.
Under the approved plans, the eight lodges will be created on-site for a maximum of four people each.
A condition set for the development means nobody will be able to live in or stay at the lodges for longer than 28 days.
The council is also requiring work to treat the south and east boundaries of the site, to prevent the lodges from becoming “visible and noticeable” once existing agricultural buildings are removed.
Councillor Arnie Hankin (Ash Ind) represents Selston and is also chairman of the council.
Speaking in the meeting, he said: “I think this is a lovely idea, I think it’s fantastic.
“It brings business into Fackley including the Co-op, we’ve got the footpath and the trail.
“I looked at the site on Saturday morning and I think it’s unsightly, and it’s a plus, plus, plus.
“It’s a wonderful, alternative use of land to start off this business. It’s a fantastic idea and will have my support.”
Councillors were told the eight lodges will measure about 10 metres in length and five metres in width, with a maximum height of 3.2 metres.
Each lodge will have two bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, as well as a veranda on the front.
The plan was passed with six votes in favour and one abstention.