Eco-glamping could replace farm’s pig sheds

New underground glamping pods could be built on a pig farm near Bath.

They have been proposed for land at Nempnett Farm, in Nempnett Thrubwell, on the edge of the Mendip Hills area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

George Ford and his wife Megan are the sixth generation to run the family business, but want to make it more eco-friendly.

They intend to knock down five existing pig houses on the site, plant wildflowers in their place, and rebrand as Nempnett Pastures.

In an application to Bath and North East Somerset Council, a design and access statement by Ian S Ford Building Surveying and Planning Ltd explained the couple’s vision for the farm.

It said: “For the past 30 years the agri-business at Nempnett Farm (PG & GM Ford), has sourced the majority of its income from an intensive pig unit on the farm (to be demolished as part of this proposal).

“However, George Ford and his wife Megan, who are the sixth generation of the family to farm at Nempnett, are desperate to stop this un-environmentally friendly enterprise. This move is part of a holistic change in farm management led to the development of a new business and brand for the farm.”

This will not be their first venture into hospitality, as the couple currently run a B&B from their farmhouse, but they will need to build four parking spaces, a bike store and a bin store beside the pods.

They hope their underground project will be an eco-friendly addition to the farm, as soil provides natural insulation.

This means the cabins “will consume no energy in heating and cooling” and all their water will come from the farm’s own well.

Tourists are already drawn to the B&B near hills, lakes and walking routes, and turning the land over to hospitality will allow it to recover from years of intensive farming.

So far one person has commented in support of the application. Debbie Kelly wrote: “Great use of old space. A way of bringing much-needed revenue to the area. Pubs, farm shops and employment can all benefit from these plans.”

View and comment on the plan by December 15 at bathnes.gov.uk, planning reference 21/05190/FUL.