Six shepherd's huts are being proposed for the Dorset Nectar cider orchard site at Pineapple Lane, Waytown near Bridport, along with a new vineyard.

The owners are seeking planning consent to use shepherd’s huts on five acres of the Strong Orchard holding, each with one parking space.

The proposed site is a farm field south of the organic orchard with the owners proposing to plant a vineyard in the centre of the site with the huts around it, three next to the southern boundary and three adjacent to the western boundary. The field is surrounded by trees and hedges with access planned off Pineapple Lane and is within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

A planning agent report says the huts will be made largely from wood and metal and will use a natural colour palette of greens, greys and browns to help them blend into the landscape with low level lighting.

Documents with the planning application to Dorset Council says that in a good year the orchard can produce 300 tonnes of cider apples, the site also having permission for 14 camping pitches on the site, operating from April 1 to September 14.

A report argues that the tents and the proposed shepherd’s huts can be considered compatible with the AoNB status with the huts well insulated and able to be used throughout the year.

“The proposed shepherd’s huts help fulfil the growing demand for the glamping industry, offering high quality glamping in a rural setting. The field is surrounded with mature hedges, these will be enhanced through a new planting regime to thicken the hedges and provide wildlife refuge along the perimeter,” said the proposal.

It adds that the current political and economic environment with increased costs is putting considerable pressure and uncertainty on rural farm businesses.

“The capability to source alternative revenue streams for farm businesses is therefore particularly important…

“Guests would enjoy the advantages of numerous walking trails, foot paths and ways in the local area, leading to the local pub the Hare and Hounds, Washingpool Farmshop nearby and Melplash’s Half Moon pub and the historic market towns of Beaminster and Bridport. The uniqueness of the site would add to the sustainability of the proposal, continued positive effects from increased spending in the local area, creating greater permanency of employment for those currently in seasonal positions.”

The application, reference 2022/06207, is open for public comment until November 1.