A FARMER in Blaenannerch, near Cardigan, hoping to add to his income will start a glamping business with a shepherd’s hut following planning permission.

Dorian Davies told members of Ceredigion’s development control committee that providing this kind of accommodation could bring an income of up to £20,000.

Ceredigion County Council planning officers had recommended the plan be refused because of where the hut would be located on Mr Davies’ land but the committee overruled this.

Mr Davies said: “We are looking to diversify. There’s no doubt we face challenges in the future, particularly Brexit, that will have a detrimental impact on Ceredigion.”

He said with more people opting for “staycation” his plan for glamping in the peace and quiet of the countryside would be an option and “would not have a detrimental impact on the area at all.”

Members acknowledged that putting the hut closer to buildings at Tynewydd Farm would negate the benefits of peacefulness.

Speaking in support of the application, Cllr John Adams-Lewis said: “This is in the ward next to mine and I don’t accept that the site is in open countryside, as we know there are developments across the road.”

He said if it were a chicken shed, which could look similar, Mr Davies would not need permission to put seven or so in his field.

“It doesn’t affect the landscape at all, this application didn’t need to come here,” he added.