March 15, 2019 3.28 pm This story is over 60 months old

Skendleby glamping pods, endorsed by former PM, to nod to county’s woollen past

The wool industry was a major part of Lincolnshire’s history
Shepherd's Huts similar to the ones above and endorsed by the former Prime Minister David Cameron have been submitted to ELDC.

A new glamping site is to take inspiration from one of the Lincolnshire Wolds’ historic industries with a style of accomodation endorsed by a former Prime Minister.

Plans for 12 “Shepherd’s Huts” at Rookery Holt, Fordington Road, Skendlesby, have been submitted to East Lindsey District Council.

Harrison Pitt Architects, on behalf of applicants Reg and Sue Johnson, say the “high-quality” huts will be fabricated on site.

A masterplan showing how the huts would be laid out at the crest of the hill.

Plans say: “Shepherd’s Huts are a reference to the past, as wool was once a major source of income for the Lincolnshire Wolds.

“The site is to be laid out in a generous way, so each hut enjoys its own space and an element of separation from the adjoining unit.”

The proposals came complete with promotional photos of the huts in situ, and modeled by apparant advocate and former Prime Minster David Cameron in his Cotswold garden.

Described as “jolly nice looking” by the politician in a blog post for producers Red Sky Shepherds Huts, the huts appear to be growing in popularity.

They will be placed at the top of a crest in a field with a single track for pedestrians and emergency/service vehicles leading to them.

The applicant believes the development will create a “noticeable and beneficial impact” on local amenities and will create an economic boost to the tourism industry in the area.

They highlight several nearby walking routes and connections to local coastal resorts as some of the attractions to the area.

The applicant has even included a photo of former Prime Minister David Cameron using a similar-style hut as part of their submission.

It has already received support from the tourism manager at Lincolnshire County Council who praised the “nice historic link”.

She notes the “importance of sheep in the landscape and the huge contribution to the wealth of medieval Lincolnshire and hence all our wonderful churches”.

Shepherd’s huts were used from the 15th century dug in sheep rising and lambing. The trade helped fund many historic buildings including St Botolph’s Church, in Boston.

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