Farming family apply to install shepherd huts for tourists at South Cambridgeshire farm

A farming family wants to install three shepherd huts for tourists who want to enjoy the “picturesque countryside”.

Willow Grange Farm, off Ely Road in Chittering, will remain a livestock farm under the plans submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Fiona Dunne, who submitted them, said offering tourist accommodation would help support the farm all year round.

The family, which has owned the farm for more than 90 years, said the shepherd huts would help diversify the income and make use of an “under-utilised” paddock on the farm.

Ms Dunne said there was increasing demand from tourists for places to stay in rural areas.

The plans said: “There is significant demand in this location, being in a picturesque countryside location on a well-established county farm, with good travel links and situated between the large populations of Cambridge and Ely.”

The shepherd huts would “provide successful vibrant tourist accommodation in a sustainable location”, the application said, adding that the move would support “local employment and surrounding businesses”.

The council will determine whether the plans can proceed.