A LUXURY Mid Devon lodge that offers game-bird shooting but wants to diversify has had its plans for up to 25 safari tents approved. 

Loyton Lodge, which describes itself as a country retreat, in Morebath on the southern edge of Exmoor, submitted a combined proposal for 10 upmarket tents on one part of its site, and a mixture of 15 tents and cabins on another. 

The Lodge, a 10-bedroom holiday property where guests can land by helicopter, is a wedding venue, posh B&B, and events venue. But the impact of avian flu and changing sentiment towards shooting game birds means it is seeking new revenue streams. 

The application said that high-end safari tents, cabins and bothies would be serviced by a centralised club house, with heated and natural swimming ponds available. 

The applicant said guests would buy their meals from the Lodge’s existing facilities, with no food deliveries for personal consumption permitted on site. 

There will also be no formal kitchen facilities in any of the new accommodation. 

The planning application says that “whilst the cabins will be available during the game shooting season (1 September to 31 January)” it expects highest occupation will be between Easter and October. 

It continued: “Strict codes of conduct, health and safety are required to operate a game shoot. These will remain in force. There is no intention to actively shoot on land where the cabins are located.” 

The scheme received 100 objections from 51 individuals, including concerns about the amount of water the new accommodation would use, too little community engagement about the scheme, and the “excessive scale” of the plans. 

There were also fears for an increase in short-term traffic during construction, and longer-term with a potential rise in guest numbers. 

In the 12 letters of support, people welcomed the potential for year-round employment, the design sensitivity of the scheme, and that it could enhance Loyton’s economic sustainability. 

The application was approved by the council’s planning committee, with some conditions attached, including a restriction on siting any accommodation in flood zones, and that amplified music can’t played on the site, other than in the Loyton Lodge building. 

By Bradley Gerrard